What's New?
ENROLL IN A COLORADO OPTION PLAN. Consumers can enroll in a Colorado Option plan through Connect for Health Colorado. Enrollment is open through January 15, 2023. Need tips on enrolling and finding a Colorado Option plan? View this one-pager for support.
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.
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, December 14, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - CO Option Advisory Board Meeting
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.
Improving access, affordability and equity
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 or read this report on our 2023 plans.
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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.
Amendment Application Materials
- Letter of Intent to Apply for Waiver Amendment and CMS Response
- Public Meeting Materials on Waiver Amendment Submission
- Public Comments received on Draft Application by Nov 22, 2021
- Final Application submitted Nov 30, 2021
- Letter of preliminary determination that Colorado application is complete (January 3, 2022)
- Letter of approval for Colorado's 1332 Waiver Amendment (June 23, 2022)
Annual 1332 Waiver Public Forum materials can be found here.
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.
- Membership (effective July 1, 2022)
- 2022 Meeting Schedule
- Meeting Materials (presentations, recordings, minutes)
Standardized Plan Regulation (4-2-81)
Culturally Responsive Provider Network Regulation (4-2-80)
Premium Rate Reduction Methodology Regulation (4-2-85)
- Colorado Option Rate Target Methodology
- Individual and Small Group Market Target Premiums (by plan year)
Purchasing Alliance Exemption Regulation (4-2-86)
New Proposed Insurance Regulations 4-2-92 and 4-2-91 have been noticed for rulemaking hearing for November 15. Registration details for the hearing can be found here.
- Cost Benefit Analysis for New Proposed Regulation 4-2-91
- Cost Benefit Analysis for New Proposed Regulation 4-2-92
- Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option, House Bill 21-1232 - signed into law June 16, 2021
- Standardized Plan stakeholder meeting announcement
- Standardized Plan stakeholder meeting materials
- Culturally Responsive Provider Network stakeholder meeting materials
Draft Proposal
- Draft Report for Colorado's State Coverage Option - released October 7, 2019
- Draft Report for Colorado's State Coverage Option - En Español
Stakeholder Engagement Meetings on Draft Proposal
- State Option Draft Report Stakeholder Presentation - English
- State Option Draft Report Stakeholder Presentation - En Español
- 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
Final Report
- Final Report for Colorado's Public Option (includes appendices I - IV) - delivered to the General Assembly November 15, 2019
- Appendix V - Public Comments
- Summary of Final Report
Information can also be referenced on Colorado's Department for Healthcare Policy and Financing: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/proposal-affordable-health-coverage-option