Colorado: 2023 enrollment hits 145K (w/auto-renewals); "Get Covered Colorado Day" is Dec. 8th

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Thousands of Residents Have Used the Marketplace to Enroll in 2023 Health Insurance

DENVER— This Thursday, December 8, is Get Covered Colorado Day. This day of action encourages as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2023 health coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs through January 15. In the first five weeks of this year’s Open Enrollment, approximately 145,000 residents enrolled in a plan through Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.

Seeing how Connect4HealthCO announced 57.5K enrollees just 6 days ago, it's pretty safe to assume that they didn't have over 87,000 more Coloradans suddenly enroll in less than a week. Presumably the 145K figure includes auto-renewals of the remaining current enrollees who haven't actively signed up for a 2023 policy yet.

“Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace is a great place to see all the plan options in your area, and you can even get free enrollment help when you schedule an appointment with an expert,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “If you didn’t enroll last year, it’s worth checking out your options again this year. Don’t let this Get Covered Day pass by you without making a game plan to sign up for health insurance coverage.”

“If you’re new to the marketplace or haven’t shopped on Connect for Health Colorado in the last two years, I encourage you to see if you’re eligible for financial subsidies to pay premiums. The American Rescue Plan expanded these subsidies, and the Inflation Reduction Act has continued that expansion, meaning more help for more people,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “There are plans to fit all types of budgets and all types of health needs, including Colorado Option plans with $0 primary care, mental health visits and diabetic supplies, as well as more predictable costs overall. Don’t miss this opportunity to get coverage for you and your family for 2023.”

Across the state, community leaders and influencers will promote this year’s enrollment opportunity on social media using the hashtag #GetCovered. 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.

Reminder for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Enrollees

As a result of the current COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration, many Coloradans continue to be covered by Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), even if their income would otherwise make them ineligible. When the PHE ends, those who are no longer eligible for Health First Colorado or CHP+ should remember they will have a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a private health insurance plan.

“Having health care coverage is critical to ensuring Coloradans get the care they need,” said Kim Bimestefer, executive director for the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. “Health First Colorado and CHP+ provide free or low-cost health coverage for Coloradans who qualify. We encourage Coloradans to apply for coverage and see what they may qualify for during Get Covered Day.”

When to Enroll

The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado ends January 15, 2023. People should enroll by December 15 for coverage that is effective January 1, 2023. Those who sign up between December 16 and January 15 will receive a February 1 start date for their coverage.

People can enroll in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus(CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify. Connect for Health Colorado can evaluate whether applicants likely qualify for Health First Colorado and CHP+.

Finding 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 residents 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.

Contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or call 855-752-6749.