Coming off our announcement of enrolling 200,000 earlier than ever before, and now that we are over halfway through the year, I’d like to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in 2021 so far:
After closing our formal eighth enrollment period, we quickly reopened enrollment in February and have been able to offer more savings to our customers since April, thanks to the American Rescue Plan.
I am so proud of our staff for all the work they are putting in to keep our doors open and allow Coloradans to get enrolled. In fact, in May, we were named one of The Denver Post’s Top Workplaces.
Last week, the United States Supreme Court announced its 7-2 decision in California v. Texas to uphold the Affordable Care Act. The ruling positively affirms that we are here to stay, and it creates certainty for our customers when it comes to their health coverage. You can read more in the joint statement from us and our partners at the State.
With that decision firmly made, we feel confident about the future of the Marketplace, and we can now turn our attention toward several state initiatives that have passed recently. We are hard at work, preparing to implement a new “Easy Enrollment” option that tax filers can use starting next year, as well as additional savings created by the state through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise. These two laws from the 2020 legislative session will help even more Coloradans access affordable health care. We will also work closely with state leaders to implement the Standardized Health Benefit Plan. This new law will provide Coloradans with more meaningful or better plan choice.
Return to In-Person Outreach
As more Coloradans get vaccinated, we are able to be out into our communities again. For our staff, it means we can share the news that the Marketplace is open and offering more savings than ever. This month we are doing so at community events such as the Juneteenth festivals in Denver and Pueblo last weekend, and at Pride events in Denver throughout the end of the month.
Last Friday afternoon, I also had the honor of joining the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Gov. Polis and members of our Congressional delegation on a tour of a busy vaccination clinic in Aurora. I was glad to be there to support the health and wellbeing of Coloradans.
In the News
AARP shared an in-depth story about the savings available on the Marketplace through the American Rescue Plan and how to enroll.
Thanks again for continuing to spread the news that Coloradans can get covered now!
Take care,
Kevin Patterson, MURP, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Connect for Health Colorado
