Colorado Option
What's New?
Colorado Option $0 Diabetic Supplies. Colorado Option plans must cover certain diabetic supplies at $0 and list the covered supplies on their website. For a compilation of carrier webpages with diabetic supplies information, reference the Colorado Option Plan Coverage of Diabetic Supplies document created by the Division of Insurance.
Colorado Option Small Group Plans. Small employers can learn more about small group Colorado Option plans on our Colorado Option Small Group Plans webpage.
Saving People Money
The Colorado Option is 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 by 15% by 2025. The Commissioner will enforce premium reductions through the Division's rate review and a new public hearing process. Click the button below to learn more about the public hearings.
Upcoming Meetings
Colorado Option Advisory Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 9, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM - CANCELLED
Wednesday, October 22, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Questions?
Questions and comments about the Colorado Option Program can be sent to dora_ins_co_option@state.co.us, or you can review the overview documents below.
Improving access, affordability and equity
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 Colorado's reinsurance program.
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.
1332 Waiver 2023 Final Annual Report can be found here and the addendum can be found here (download to see full PDFs).
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 February 18, 2025)
- 2025 Meeting Schedule
- Meeting Materials (presentations, recordings, minutes)
Insurance Ombudsman / Consumer Advocate for Colorado Option Plans
- Contact via email - hcpf_insuranceombudsman@state.co.us
Standardized Plan Design
Enhanced Network Adequacy Requirements
- Culturally Responsive Provider Network Regulation (4-2-80)
- FAQs on Colorado Option Culturally Responsive Provider Network Reporting Requirements
- Colorado Black Health Collaborative Black Health Resource Directory
Premium Rate Reduction Requirements
- Premium Rate Reduction Methodology Regulation (4-2-85), effective 6/14/2025
- Purchasing Alliance Exemption Regulation (4-2-86)
- Amended Bulletin No. B-4.121 (CPI-U Bulletin)
- Bulletin No. B-4.123 (Pricing AV Bulletin)
Enforcement of Premium Rate Reduction Requirements
- Public Hearing Process Regulation (4-2-92)
- Cost Benefit Analysis for Regulation 4-2-92
- Hospital/Provider Reimbursement Rate Setting Regulation (4-2-91)
- Cost Benefit Analysis Regulation 4-2-91
- 2026 Hospital-Specific Reimbursement Floors
- Section 10-16-1310(3), C.R.S. report (Quality & Acuity Adjustment recommendations)
- March 1 Colorado Option Premium Rate Reduction Filing
Hospital Workforce Trends Report (10-16-1310, C.R.S.)
- 2023 Hospital Workforce Trends Report
- 2024 Hospital Workforce Trends Report
- 2025 Hospital Workforce Trends Report
Hospital Reimbursement Rate Methodology Report (Section 10-16-1310(3), C.R.S.)
- 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