Colorado Option

What's New?

COLORADO'S FIRST-IN-THE-NATION INNOVATION WAIVER IS APPROVED. On June 23, 2022 the Department of Health & Human Services and the Department of the Treasury approved Colorado's Section 1332 State Innovation waiver amendment application. Read the approval letter and fact sheet.

GOVERNOR POLIS ANNOUNCES ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS. On June 22, 2022 Governor Polis announced appointments to the Colorado Option Advisory Board effective July 1, 2022, for terms expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Saving People Money

Starting in 2023, the Colorado Option will be available to all Coloradans who buy their health insurance on the individual market (i.e. not from an employer) and small employers with less than 100 employees. Health insurance plans are required to lower premiums on Colorado Option plans for individuals, families, and small businesses by 15% by 2025.

Timeline and Key Dates 2021-2023

Upcoming Meetings

Wednesday, July 13, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Public Hearings: Recap and Next Steps 

Stakeholder Meeting Materials

Questions?

Questions and comments about the Colorado Option Program can be sent to dora_ins_co_option@state.co.us  or please review our Overview Presentation & FAQ below.

Overview of CO Option

Frequently Asked Questions

Improving access, affordability and equity

Standardized Plan infographic

As part of the Colorado Option, the Division has designed a Standardized Plan which allows consumers and businesses to easily compare plans and choose the plan that is right for them. These plans cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), provides free ($0) primary care and mental health visits, and is designed to reduce racial health disparities and improve health equity.

Click on the image to the left to learn more about these new plan options.

2023 Standardized Plan Stakeholder Meeting Materials

2023 Culturally Responsive Provider Network Meeting Materials

Colorado Option Standardized Plans are required to lower health insurance premiums for individuals, families, and small businesses by 15% by 2025. Due to the entrance of Standardized Plans in the market, the Division was able to submit a federal Section 1332 waiver. The waiver documents how the Division is able to control health care costs and support coverage by reducing health insurance premiums. Funds from the waiver will be used to support state-based subsidies for health insurance affordability and access designed by Colorado's Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise.

To ensure the work of the Colorado Option is transparent and informed by a variety of stakeholders, HB21-1232 requires the Governor to appoint members of the Colorado Option Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will consist of up to 11 members with varied experience in health care. 

Colorado Health Insurance Option Recommendation
Submitted Stakeholder Presentations
Written Comments from Stakeholders

These letters do not represent the opinions of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the Division of Insurance or the State of Colorado. These are written comments submitted by stakeholders regarding the HB19-1004 Proposal for a State Health Care Coverage Option.

 

Final Proposal / Report
Draft Proposal / Report

Draft Report for Colorado's State Coverage Option - released October 7, 2019
Draft Report for Colorado's State Coverage Option - En Español
Oct. 8, 2019 State Option Stakeholder Presentation - English
Oct. 8, 2019 OPCIÓN DE COLORADO Presentación En Español

Stakeholder Engagement Meetings on Draft Proposal

  • November 7, 2019 - Edwards
  • October 23, 2019 - Grand Junction
  • October 22, 2019 - Hugo
  • October 12, 2019 - Durango
  • October 8, 2019 - Denver, Watch the webcast recorded presentation
  • October 8, 2019 - Pueblo
  • October 8, 2019 - Briefing for Eastern Plains Hospitals