Colorado: 22.6K QHPs selected through 11/14; up 1/3 over last year, 14% new

Connect for Health Colorado® Reports Increase in 2018 Medical Plan Selections

DENVER — Between Nov.1 and Nov. 15, more than 22,000 Coloradans selected health coverage for 2018 through the state health insurance Marketplace, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado®.

“I am glad to see the number of initial sign-ups during the first two weeks of Open Enrollment,” said Connect for Health Colorado® CEO Kevin Patterson.  “There has been some confusion about healthcare coverage this year. I want everyone to know that the financial help to buy health insurance is still available for next year. I urge everybody buying their own health insurance to take a minute on our site, ConnectforhealthCO.com, to check to see if they qualify and then review their options and complete their enrollment before the last-minute rush.”

The pace of sign ups is running about 33 percent higher than last year, Patterson said. The two-week period saw 22,650 medical plan selections. The total was 16,987 for the comparable period in 2016. Fourteen percent of the plan selections are by customers who are new to Connect for Health Colorado and 86 percent are renewing customers.

Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by December 15, to have coverage January 1, and avoid a gap in your coverage. Open Enrollment runs through January 12.

Key dates and deadlines for individuals and families buying private coverage

• Open Enrollment: November 1, 2017 – January 12, 2018. 
• You cannot purchase health insurance after this period unless you have a qualifying life-change event, such as marriage, divorce, having a child, losing your employer-sponsored insurance, or moving to Colorado.
• Last day to enroll for coverage beginning January 1, 2018, is December 15, 2017.
• Last day to enroll for 2018 coverage (absent a life change event):  January 12, 2018.