Connect for Health Colorado reminds residents they only have until Monday to enroll for coverage starting January 1st; prays for Congress to act

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Denver, Colo. – The Dec. 15 deadline to enroll in health insurance for Jan. 1 is fast approaching, and Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is encouraging people to shop and start their applications today to avoid a lapse in coverage. 

“Dec. 15 is an important deadline; it’s the final day for Coloradans to enroll in health coverage that starts Jan. 1, and our team is ready to help customers stay covered,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Staying covered is one of the most important things people can do for their physical and financial well-being. Gaps in coverage can leave Coloradans vulnerable to unexpected medical costs – but we’re here to help. We want to be sure people have the information and assistance they need to choose a plan that works for them.”

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.

“Access to health care is a basic human necessity,” said Michael Conway, commissioner of the Colorado Division of Insurance. “The advice we give every year still holds true – it’s important for folks to explore their options, take advantage of available financial help, and shop around and get covered with the plan that works best for them and their families.” 

More than 210,000 Colorado residents have already enrolled in health insurance for plan year 2026, and there are several resources available to help customers compare plans and apply.

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.

Leaders Continue to Emphasize the Importance of Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. Without these credits, net premiums for customers who currently receive financial assistance are set to double on average. Connect for Health Colorado and state leaders continue to emphasize the importance of extending ePTCs. 

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” Patterson said. “It’s not too late for Congress to extend ePTCs for our customers. We’re ready to act and prepared to work as quickly as possible to ensure the people we serve have reliable, high-quality and affordable health insurance.”

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

“Colorado took critical steps to blunt premium increases on the individual market by passing HB25B-1006,” Conway at the Colorado Division of Insurance said. “Even with that, many consumers are still seeing huge premium increases. But it’s not too late – Congress still has the time to make this right by extending the enhanced Premium Tax Credits to ensure that Coloradans can afford to maintain their access to health care. For the sake of the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who rely on the individual market, I am praying that Congress finally does act.”