Consumer Advisory: More financial assistance for more people who need health insurance

American Rescue Plan will help more Coloradans afford health coverage. 

DENVER – The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), is reminding Coloradans that they can now access more financial assistance for health insurance during the special enrollment period. 

As a result of the American Rescue Plan, more financial help for people buying individual health insurance plans (meaning not from an employer) is available when enrolling through our state marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. Individuals and families of all income ranges can now qualify for reduced premiums.

“We’re ready and eager to provide these savings to more Coloradans who need relief right away,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I encourage those who need coverage to sign up. If you were unable to obtain financial help in the past, now is the time to re-apply. You might be surprised how much you can save.”

“With these changes, many Coloradans could be looking at very inexpensive coverage, even $0 premium plans,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “Even though the special enrollment is extended to August 15, if anyone needs coverage for themselves or their families, now is the time to get enrolled. Or if you have coverage, but didn’t qualify for assistance before, take the time to re-apply and see how much financial help you could get.”

What’s Different Now?

• There is more financial help available to more Coloradans for health insurance.
  • One out of five (21%) customers could potentially have a $0 premium if they were to stay with their current plan.
  • Two out of three (64%) customers could potentially have a $0 premium if they were to enroll in the lowest cost plan available to them.
  • Three out of four people could potentially have a $25 premium or less if they were to enroll in the lowest cost plan available to them.
• People who were making too much money before may now qualify for financial help to reduce premiums.
• Anyone who has received unemployment benefits for at least one week in 2021 may qualify for $0 and low-cost 2021 health insurance premium options when they shop through Connect for Health Colorado. The amount of financial assistance provided will cover the entire cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan, but you can put that amount of help toward any plan available to you.

When Can I Get More Savings and/or Enroll?

You can submit a new application for financial help beginning now. Connect for Health Colorado is keeping enrollment open to anyone who needs health insurance through Aug. 15, 2021. The best way to find out whether you qualify for $0 and low-cost health insurance plans, and to see all the plans available to you, is to submit an application. Remember that the sooner you enroll, the sooner your coverage begins.

How To Enroll

People can enroll using Connect for Health Colorado or by contacting the insurance company directly. However, Connect for Health Colorado is still the only place where Coloradans can receive financial assistance to make insurance more affordable. Colorado individual health insurance consumers who wish to use Connect for Health Colorado can enroll online at ConnectforHealthCO.com, can get help and/or enroll over the phone at 855-752-6749, or they can get free, virtual enrollment assistance from certified brokers and assisters.

About the Division of Insurance:

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.

About DORA:

DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll-free 800-886-7675.