Breaking News: Colorado opens special health insurance enrollment period for uninsured people through April 3

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.”

UCHealth Offering Virtual Urgent Care, Online Coronavirus Guide

Courtesy of UCHealth:

Unfortunately, the new coronavirus is spreading throughout Colorado and worries about the outbreak are increasing. What should you do if you have symptoms like a fever, cough or shortness of breath?

For those who have general questions about coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, or want information about testing, the best place to get help is through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

People can call 303.389.1687 or 1.877.462.2911 for answers in many languages. Or, for those seeking answers in English, you can email COHELP@RMPDC.org.

For patients in Colorado who want to see a medical provider from the privacy of home, an online visit through UCHealth’s Virtual Urgent Care can be one of the easiest, safest ways to get help.

“COVID-19 is quite infectious, so if you can stay home and get medical advice, that gives you two advantages. First, if you’re sick, you’re not going to be bringing your illness into a doctor’s office or a hospital. Second, you won’t be exposed to other patients,” said Dr. Chris Davis, an expert in emergency medicine and infectious diseases, and Medical Director for UCHealth’s Virtual Urgent Care.

“If you’re worried and you have any risk factors, you can see a provider. If you need a test, then we can tell you what to do and the closest place to get tested,” Davis said.

Patients who are in Colorado can see a provider through the Virtual Urgent Care related to coronavirus symptoms or other medical concerns including, the flu, colds, seasonal allergies, coughs, pink eye, sinus infections, sore throats, urinary tract infections and vomiting or diarrhea.

As long as patients have a smart phone or a computer with video and audio capabilities, they can see a provider through a secure, private online visit.

Medical providers at UCHealth’s Virtual Urgent Care are trained to help people in Colorado figure out if they need additional help or testing for symptoms of coronavirus. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon for UCHealth.

Patients using Virtual Urgent Care do not need to be a current UCHealth patient and don’t need insurance. Anyone in Colorado, including visitors to the state, can use the service. Insurance typically covers the visit, but for those who don’t have insurance, there’s a $49 flat fee.

New UCHealth visitor policy

UCHealth’s first priority is the safety of patients, visitors and staff. Visitor restrictions provide an additional layer of protection for everyone.

Effective March 8, 2020:

• Visitors with cold or flu symptoms are prohibited from visiting all areas of UCHealth hospitals.

• No more than two visitors in a 24-hour period are allowed to visit a patient.

• Anyone under 12 years of age is prohibited from visiting all areas of UCHealth hospitals.

• Only one visitor at a time will be allowed in the rooms of patients with either suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This includes patients whose test results are pending. Infection prevention teams will also track any visitors to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.There may be extenuating circumstances that require flexibility with the policy and UCHealth’s infection prevention team will provide guidance in these specific situations.

• For more information about COVID-19, please visit CDPHE or the CDC website.

• UCHealth encourages patients who have fever, cold or flu symptoms to wear a mask.

All Virtual Urgent Care providers are trained now on how to help patients determine if they are at risk for COVID-19.

“We’re looking for symptoms and also for a travel history. Have you recently been to the five countries where the outbreaks are the worst: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea or Japan? Or, have you been to California, Washington State, Florida New York, places that have ongoing cases of community transmission?” Davis said.

Many patients won’t need additional care beyond their online visit, Davis said. But for those who do need to be tested for COVID-19 or to go to an ER for immediate follow-up care, the fee for the Virtual Urgent Care appointment will be waived.

Davis said it’s reassuring for patients to get same-day appointments with Colorado health experts.

“This is a pretty fast-moving situation. It’s nice to have a dedicated group of providers who are keeping track of this coronavirus outbreak on a daily basis,” Davis said.

There’s no referral necessary. Anyone in Colorado can create an account through My Health Connection and request an appointment online for a Virtual Urgent Care appointment.

“What makes this so great and convenient is the setting. When you’re dealing with a pandemic, you can get your questions answered without having to leave your home,” Davis said. “If you’re worried about being exposed or exposing others, this is a great option.”

Learn more:

• Coronavirus anxiety: Why the outbreak feeds worries and five simple ways to reduce coronavirus anxiety

• Older adults advised to ‘stay home as much as possible’ during coronavirus outbreak

• Your travel plans and coronavirus: What should you do?

• Pregnancy and coronavirus: Experts advise pregnant women to take precautions

• What you should know about coronavirus or COVID-19 in Colorado

• Staying safe from COVID-19 in the U.S.: Wash hands and skip masks; Chinese food, markets are safe

• Increased screening aims to prevent coronavirus outbreaks in the U.S.

• Updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention