Media Contact:
Vincent Plymell
vincent.plymell@state.co.us
Current members can continue to use their Bright Health plans until the end of the year.
DENVER - Bright Health will not offer individual health plans (insurance for people who do not get coverage from an employer) in 2023 in all of its existing markets across the country. In Colorado, this means that its individual plans will not be available for the coming year on the state’s health exchange, Connect for Health Colorado, as well as being unavailable from the company directly (known as “off-exchange”). Earlier this year, Bright also made the decision not to offer small group plans (for small employers with less than 100 employees) in Colorado next year, as noted in the Division of Insurance (DOI) release of preliminary 2023 plan information in July.
Bright also issued a press release today with more details regarding its decision.
Over the last two years, Bright grew rapidly throughout the country to nearly 1 million members across Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia, as well as Colorado (approximately 55,000 members - nearly 54,000 in individual plans, about 900 enrolled in small group plans, as of April 1, 2022). In that same timeframe, the company suffered substantial losses, leading to the company’s changes.
Bright Health Coverage Remains in Place for the Rest of the 2022 Plan Year
In order to maintain access to their health insurance benefits and coverage, Bright Health members need to continue to pay premiums through the end of 2022 . People with Bright coverage can continue to use their health insurance through the end of this year, and their claims will continue to be paid according to their policies.
Bright members with questions about their coverage should contact Bright Health member services at 855-827-4448. Additionally, should Bright members or health care providers experience difficulties in working with Bright, they can contact the Colorado Division of Insurance at 303-894-7490 or DORA_Insurance@state.co.us.
Members can also view the Division's FAQs about Bright Health.
For current individual policyholders with Bright Health who are receiving financial assistance (premium tax credits or subsidies, or cost-sharing assistance) as part of their 2022 individual plan coverage from Bright, that assistance will continue through the end of the policy, December 31, 2022, provided premiums are still paid.
For people with small group plans (plans for small employers), the Division encourages employers to contact Bright Health regarding the timing of their contracts with Bright and their options. Employees should contact their employers or their employers' human resources offices for more information about options.
Bright Health Members Will Need to Choose New Coverage for 2023
Starting November 1, Bright Health members with individual health plans (meaning coverage not from an employer) will need to shop for a new plan from another insurance company for 2023. People can visit Connect for Health Colorado to make their choices and can use a variety of Connect’s resources available to help in their decision-making: Connect’s “We Can Help” site, finding help through their robust network of certified insurance brokers, or work with an in-person enrollment assister, or calling 855-752-6749 to ask questions and get started.
Beginning in 2023, the Colorado Option plans will be available on Connect for Health Colorado. These plans cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), provide free ($0) primary care and mental health visits, and have the same benefits across all companies, allowing for easier shopping.
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About the Division of Insurance:
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 doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
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.