Colorado: C4HCO wraps up 2026 Open Enrollment w/277.2K QHP selections, down 1.9% y/y

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Denver, Colo. – After five consecutive years of record growth, enrollment in health coverage through the state’s official health insurance marketplace for plan year 2026 dipped 2%, Connect for Health Colorado announced today.

Despite rising costs due to less federal financial assistance, 277,228 Coloradans enrolled in health insurance, with 69% of customers receiving financial help to lower the cost of their monthly premiums.

Technically, QHP selections ended up down 1.9% from last year's total of 282,481.

As of December 27th, Colorado was only down 0.9% y/y, once again underscoring my point about the WSJ massively jumping the gun.

Colorado Premium Assistance – a new program introduced by the Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise for plan year 2026 – has helped reduce monthly costs for many Coloradans.

Still, a rise in insurance premiums following the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) may have discouraged some residents from enrolling, said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado – and may also be driving an 83% increase in the number of people who are canceling their plans compared to this time last year, he noted.

“On one hand, it’s encouraging to see enrollment remain relatively steady, with only a slight dip, and to see so many people receive meaningful financial assistance,” Patterson said. “That is thanks in large part to the state’s Colorado Premium Assistance program and to our statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers, who helped customers find the most affordable plan to meet their needs. On the other hand, it’s deeply troubling that a record number of people are canceling their plans because they simply can’t afford their monthly payments, or are being forced to choose between health care and basic necessities like housing and food. Without federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits, this alarming trend is, sadly, emerging across the country.”

Connect for Health Colorado also reported enrollment declines across several populations. Enrollment among new customers dropped by approximately 24% compared to last year, while enrollments among customers ages 55 and older declined by 6%. Enrollment among customers in rural communities also decreased 5%.

Ahead of open enrollment, Connect for Health Colorado and other state health leaders anticipated that older adults and people living in rural communities would be among those most impacted by rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

“For the past year, state health leaders and I have consistently emphasized the importance of extending federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits to maintain access to affordable health insurance – and that conversation doesn’t end with open enrollment,” Patterson said. “If federal lawmakers take action and vote to extend ePTCs, Connect for Health Colorado is ready to support our customers and allow them to shop, compare, and select new affordable health insurance plans.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s Year-Round Support

While open enrollment for plan year 2026 has ended, people can still buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan year-round if they experience certain life changes. Find a list of qualifying life changes on Connect for Health Colorado’s website.

Connect for Health Colorado’s network of certified enrollment Assisters and insurance Brokers are available to help year-round, are located throughout Colorado, and can provide free support in multiple languages.

Those who experience a qualifying life change are encouraged to learn more about their options at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.