Colorado: Connect for Health CO announces 256K enrollees for Jan. 1st coverage

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Denver, Colo.– Enrollment for health coverage beginning Jan. 1 is consistent with this time last year, Connect for Health Colorado announced today. 256,422 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan through the state’s official health insurance marketplace. That is approximately 0.14% higher than the number of people who enrolled for Jan. 1 coverage last year.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, and an estimated 65% of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half – 58% – of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month.

The Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise are also introducing Colorado Premium Assistance for plan year 2026. The new program will help reduce monthly costs for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While Colorado Premium Assistance may not fully offset the loss of enhanced federal support, it is expected to provide meaningful savings for many families.

“It’s encouraging to see customers enrolling, particularly because we know this year hasn’t been easy,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Higher premiums and the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) have discouraged some people from enrolling – but customers are shopping and comparing plans, and state-funded Colorado Premium Assistance has created more affordable options for plan year 2026. Further, Coloradans consistently show that they value their physical, mental and financial health, and our network of experts have helped many customers find affordable options.”

While financial help is available, without federal ePTCs, net premiums for customers who currently receive financial assistance are expected to double on average. 

“While many people have found affordable options and meaningful financial help, others are facing significant premium increases, and they’re weighing hard choices to protect their health,” Patterson said. “No one should have to choose between paying for health insurance and putting food on the table or paying their mortgage. We expect we could continue to see impacts of the expiration of ePTCs in the coming months. ” 

Patterson and state leaders continue to emphasize the importance of Congress extending ePTCs, and Connect for Health Colorado will allow customers to re-select a plan if those credits are extended. Meanwhile, Patterson encouraged customers to explore coverage options before open enrollment ends. 

Jan. 15 is the final day to enroll in health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. After Jan. 15, people can only buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan through the marketplace if they experience certain life changes. 

Connect for Health Colorado encourages people to connect with its certified network of Assisters and insurance Brokers, who are located throughout Colorado and can provide free support in multiple languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool also offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.