Media Contact:
Vincent Plymell
vincent.plymell@state.co.us
The special enrollment ends this Sunday.
DENVER - The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), is reminding Coloradans that they can still sign up for individual health insurance (meaning not from an employer) because of the extended enrollment period, but only until Sunday, Aug. 15. After that, people will only be able to enroll or change their plan if they experience a Qualifying Life Event, like getting married, having a baby or losing health insurance from an employer.
Because of the American Rescue Plan, families of all income ranges may now qualify for savings on health insurance when they shop through our state marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. The new law also increased the amount of assistance people can receive to cover some or all the cost of their health insurance premiums. In addition, people who received unemployment benefits in 2021 may qualify for $0 premium plan options.
“I’m pleased that because of the extended enrollment this year, Connect for Health Colorado has been able to get 212,000 Coloradans enrolled in affordable health insurance. And nationwide, this special enrollment allowed 2.5 million to find health coverage,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “But I know there are still people in our state who need insurance who think they can’t enroll or can’t afford it. I encourage those people to take action so they don’t miss out on coverage and the additional savings for individuals and families.”
When Can I Get More Savings and/or Enroll?
People can submit a new application for financial help now as Connect for Health Colorado is keeping enrollment open to anyone who needs health insurance through Aug. 15, 2021. The best way to find out whether you qualify for $0 and low-cost health insurance plans, and to see all the plans available to you, is to submit an application. If anyone needs coverage for themselves or their families, now is the time. And for those who already have coverage, but didn’t qualify for assistance before, take the time to re-apply to see how much financial help is available.
People can enroll using Connect for Health Colorado or by contacting the insurance company directly. However, Connect for Health Colorado is still the only place where Coloradans can receive financial assistance to make insurance more affordable. Colorado individual health insurance consumers who wish to use Connect for Health Colorado can enroll online at ConnectforHealthCO.com, can get help and/or enroll over the phone at 855-752-6749, or they can get free, virtual enrollment assistance from certified brokers and assisters.
Lower Costs for Coverage
Here are some of the key ways the American Rescue Plan helps make insurance more affordable.
- More financial help is available to more Coloradans. For some, staying with their current plan could result in $0 premiums, for others, it might mean changing plans. But many could simply see significant reductions in their premiums.
- People who were making too much money to qualify for subsidies before may now qualify for financial help to reduce premiums.
- Anyone who has received unemployment benefits for at least one week starting in 2021 may qualify for $0 and low-cost 2021 health insurance premium options when they shop through Connect for Health Colorado. The amount of financial assistance provided will cover the entire cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan, but you can put that amount of help toward any plan available to you.
If anyone misses this opportunity to enroll, and they don’t experience a Qualifying Life Event, like getting married, having a baby or losing health insurance from a job, they will have to wait to sign up for insurance for 2022 during the annual open enrollment, Nov. 1, 2021 - Jan. 15, 2022.
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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.