Open enrollment for Colorado health coverage begins November 1
New in 2023
The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 health coverage begins on November 1 and goes through January 15.
There are no income requirements. To Be eligible: (1) Be lawfully present in the United States; (2) Reside in and/or be a resident of Colorado; (3) Not be incarcerated.
Some 155,000 Coloradans who signed up for health insurance through Connect For Health Colorado were able to save 900 dollars per year on average through American Rescue Plan Act tax credits. Those credits have been extended by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and will be in play as open enrollment begins. Kevin Patterson, C-E-O of Colorado’s marketplace, said competition remains strong among the state’s insurers, and all counties have at least one option for coverage. (quoted from Colorado News Connection)
Colorado Option Plans
These new plans are designed to provide more cost/benefit transparency and have lower costs for many services.
New for 2023 – The introduction of this plan type is because of the Colorado Option law (HB21-1232). This law aims to lower the costs of premiums and many health care services.
Some highlights of what’s new or different about the Colorado Option plans:
== Access to many services at no cost
Even before you meet your deductible – examples include:
Doctor visits when you are sick or injured
Mental health care office visits
Prenatal and postnatal doctor visits
Diabetic supplies, and more
== Fixed costs across insurance companies
Costs to go to the doctor for the most common services or to fill a prescription are the same for all Colorado Option standard plans within each metal tier, so it’s easier to know what you’ll pay. Plus, the copayments, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum amounts are the same as well. Learn more about metal tiers »
== Designed to be inclusive
Colorado Option plan networks include Certified Nurse Midwives and more community providers than before. The plan networks must also support its non-English speaking enrollees through enhanced language access and provider directory requirements.
CLICK HERE to see all Plans defined. and to compare plans.
Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer
DENVER— The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) announced final rate filings for approved 2023 health insurance plans, which show premium prices in the individual market (non-employer coverage) increasing an average of 10.4% statewide over 2022 premiums.
Because of the way financial help is calculated, residents who qualify for savings using Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace can expect even more assistance to offset rising costs, resulting in modest increases ($20/month on average) to net premiums, and even net premium decreases for customers in the Western area of the state.
Additionally, with the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and the extension of financial assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act signed August 2022, even more Colorado residents are eligible for savings on Connect for Health Colorado.
Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement:
“Premium costs continue to be the most important factor for families when it comes to making decisions about coverage, including their ability to stay covered. That’s why I urge all our customers to take another look at plans and prices starting November 1. This year, shopping around can help you reduce your monthly payment even more, and you can find plenty of high-quality plans to choose from. Overall, I’m thankful that people can expect relative stability when it comes to health insurance prices for next year.”
Six companies are returning to offer plans for 2023: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Friday Health Plans, Kaiser Permanente and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Two companies, Oscar and Bright Health, are exiting Colorado’s market. Approximately 1 in 5 current Connect for Health Colorado enrollees will need to shop for a plan with a new insurance company this year.
For further information, check out these links:
==FACTS Page — most asked questions https://connectforhealthco.com/faqs/
==FINANCIAL HELP https://connectforhealthco.com/financial-help/
==Options for Small Business Owners
==September 8, 2022== Need Help with Your Health Coverage? Find Enrollment Assistance and More Using Connect for Health Colorado’s Certified Experts
==August 16, 2022== President Biden Signs the Inflation Reduction Act into Law, Keeping Health Insurance Premiums Affordable for More Than 200,000 Coloradans thru 2025
==June 8, 2022== Governor Polis Signs into Law a New Effort to Raise Awareness About Colorado’s Affordable Health Coverage Options
