Colorado: C4HCO reports 184K #ACA enrollees to date, up 29% y/y

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Connect for Health Colorado continues to set new enrollment records.

DENVER— Today is Get Covered Colorado Day. This day of action was created to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2024 health coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period. Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, reports that in the first five weeks of Open Enrollment, 184,240 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan. This is 29 percent ahead of the same day last year.

“I’m thrilled with the pace of enrollments as we head into the busiest weeks of the year,” said Connect for Health Colorado Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “My message to people on this Get Covered Day is simple: don’t assume our plans are out of your budget or won’t meet your needs. We’ve got more financial help available than ever before, and this year, three out of five customers can find a plan that is $10 per month or less. Take that first step to find the right health coverage for next year by making an appointment with an enrollment specialist, visiting our website, or giving us a call. We’re here to help you every step of the way.”

“Here in Colorado, we’ve been working to expand options so people can get the health care coverage they need to keep themselves and their families well,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. “We know that when individuals are covered, they’re less likely to delay treatments or forgo the medications they need, improving overall health outcomes and reducing medical debt.”

Across the state, community leaders and influencers will promote this year’s enrollment opportunity. Coloradans across the state can follow the hashtags #GetCovered and #CoverCO to find information about the Open Enrollment Period. Residents can participate by signing up for coverage or reminding someone in their network who is uninsured to contact Connect for Health Colorado and enroll in a plan.

More Financial Help Available

More than 75 percent of Connect for Health Colorado customers qualify for financial help to lower the cost of health insurance. And because of how financial help is calculated to offset premium costs, many Coloradans can find a more affordable plan if they change plans. In fact, 95 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help will be able to find a premium that is equal to or less than their current premium just by shopping for a new plan within their same metal tier (e.g., Silver to Silver, Gold to Gold) for coverage in 2024.

People shopping on Connect for Health Colorado can also qualify for even more cost-sharing reductions than last year or previous years. That’s because of Colorado’s Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, which provides additional, state-funded financial help to people shopping in the individual market. The enhanced cost-sharing reductions financial help further lowers deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, prescriptions, and more for people who qualify. For example, with these new, enhanced cost sharing reductions, customers currently enrolled in Silver plans could see their deductibles lowered from an average of $3,446 to an average of $65, a 98 percent decrease.

Important Deadlines

The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado runs through January 15, 2024. However, people should enroll by Friday, December 15 for coverage that starts on January 1, 2024. If you enroll in a health insurance plan between December 16 and January 15, your new health coverage won’t begin until February 1, 2024.

Find Enrollment Assistance

Free help is available from enrollment experts—certified Brokers and community-based Assisters— located throughout Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado also offers Enrollment Centers to provide you with personalized help signing up for a health insurance plan in-person or by phone, and many also offer virtual assistance. No appointment is necessary.

For questions and assistance, contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or call 855-752-6749.