ACA - Benchmark Health Insurance Plan Selection

On 10/12/21, CMS approved Colorado's benchmark plan to start in the 2023 plan year. 

Oct. 12, 2021 CMS Letter Approving Colorado's EHB-Benchmark Plan

News Release - CMS Approves New Colorado Benchmark Plan

Public Notice: On 5/7/21 DOI submitted all required materials to CMS to update Colorado's benchmark plan for the 2023 plan year.

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) worked with stakeholders and the actuarial consulting firm Wakely from January - April of 2021 to evaluate the State's current benchmark health insurance plan, and has developed a set of proposed changes to that plan for the 2023 plan year. The benchmark plan is the plan used to set minimum standards for essential health benefits (EHBs) within Colorado for individual and small group plans.

All changes to Colorado's benchmark plan will require approval by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS), with a final determination expected by the Summer of 2021. DOI has posted all final proposed changes to the benchmark plan and associated documents for public notice (45 CFR § 156.111.c). Final versions of the proposed changes to the benchmark plan can be found here:

   Benchmark plan changes - submission documents

DOI thanks everyone who participated in the stakeholder meetings and/or submitted comments throughout this process. At this time the public comment period is closed. The Division submitted the 2023 benchmark plan to CMS on Friday May 7, 2021.