Colorado will open up a special enrollment period from March 20 through April 3 in which Coloradans who are currently uninsured can enroll for a state insurance plan that would kick in starting April 1.
Only people who are currently uninsured are eligible to enroll during the special period – people with already-existing plans through Connect for Health Colorado will not be able to change their plans.
People’s spouses and children who are also uninsured can enroll as well, even if one spouse or a child’s parent is already insured.
“Many people are unaware that they are eligible for financial assistance to help lower their premiums,” said Michael Conway, Colorado Insurance Commissioner. “We encourage everyone who is uninsured to use this opportunity to visit Connect for Health Colorado, check what assistance they may be eligible for, and enroll in coverage.”
Additionally, Coloradans who lose their job or might in coming weeks as the COVID-19 fallout continues, and lose their employer-based health insurance coverage as a result, will also have a 60-day window to enroll in individual coverage on Connect for Health Colorado because they will undergo a “Qualifying Life Change Event.”
People can enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of the year. We also have a list of some low-cost options in the meantime.
“It is our mission to increase access to health insurance, and I am pleased we can make it easier for people to get the coverage they need at this critical time. I encourage all uninsured Coloradans, especially those who are newly uninsured, to enroll now by reaching out to Connect for Health Colorado,” said Connect for Health Colorado CEO Kevin Patterson.
The state is encouraging people to enroll through Connect for Health Colorado. People can find help enrolling by clicking here or calling 855-752-6749. C4HCO also has a cost and plan finder to help people find the best plan.
“As a state, we are looking at all possible solutions to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans and minimizing the duration of the crisis,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “This is a coordinated effort with all state agencies and community partners to utilize every resource available during this difficult time to reduce the severity and duration of the crisis. Together, we will get through this.”
