Source: The Aspen Times
Open health insurance enrollment on Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s health insurance marketplace, began on Saturday.
Enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2026, allowing residents to shop for affordable health care options, according to a press release. The marketplace was established following the creation of the Affordable Care Act, a 2010 health care act subsidizing individuals’ health care premiums with tax credits if they are not offered healthcare through a job and are not on public health care programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
But continuing the tax credits for those pursuing healthcare through state marketplaces is currently in question, prompting the federal government shutdown Oct. 1. The shutdown has paused certain areas of funding after the United States Senate disagreed on whether or not to continue to provide tax credits to those pursuing healthcare on the marketplace — like Connect for Health Colorado.
The shutdown most recently threatened to pause funding for the federal SNAP program, formally known as the Food Stamp Program, beginning Nov. 1. A federal judge ordered the government on Friday to continue to pay for food aid.
Connect for Health Colorado continues to be the only place state residents can get financial aid to pay for health insurance, according to the release. But given that tax credits could expire, “Connect for Health Colorado is encouraging customers to shop and compare plans and rely on expert assistance to help them enroll.”
Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, said, “While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado. Shopping and comparing plans this year is more critical than ever.”
The release states that an estimated 65% of customers pursuing healthcare plans will qualify for financial help in 2026. And “more than half — 58% — of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month,” the release states.
The marketplace is launching an improved Estimate & Explore tool, which offers side-by-side plan comparisons and personalized recommendations.
