Use this opportunity to enroll in health insurance now.
DENVER (April 24, 2020) – The Colorado Division of Insurance, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), reminds Coloradans that the COVID-19-related special enrollment period that allows people currently without health insurance to enroll in insurance will end on Thursday, April 30.
“During these challenging times, having health insurance is critical,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “It’s why the Division worked with Connect for Health Colorado to establish and then extend this enrollment period to April 30. I encourage anyone that doesn’t have health insurance to visit Connect for Health Colorado to view the health insurance plans available and to find out if they qualify for financial assistance.”
Only people who are currently uninsured are eligible to enroll, as this is not a period for people with coverage to change plans. Uninsured spouses and children will also be allowed to enroll at this time, even if one spouse or a child’s parent is already insured. Health insurance coverage will start on May 1 for anyone enrolling during this period.
All individual insurance plans (meaning plans NOT from an employer) are available. People enrolling during this period only have to verbally attest that they are currently uninsured, and the insurance companies cannot require further proof of being uninsured.
Colorado consumers are encouraged to enroll through our state’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado. Financial assistance for those who qualify is only available when enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado. Contact Connect at 855-752-6749 or find in-person assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help, including appointments with a broker or assister by phone. In addition, Connect for Health offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help check eligibility for financial assistance while finding plans that fit consumers’ needs.
Coloradans who lose their job, or who may lose their job in the coming weeks, and thus lose their employer-based health insurance, are reminded that loss of such coverage allows them a 60-day window to enroll in individual coverage, whenever that might happen throughout the year. A change in income or a person’s living situation may also trigger such enrollment windows. See Connect for Health Colorado’s “When can I buy insurance?” page for details.
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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 dora.colorado.gov/insurance for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
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.