Source: KKTV
Much of southern Colorado is preparing for the potential of health care premiums nearly doubling in 2026, according to Connect for H.
Despite this, officials are urging everyone to enroll in health care as soon as possible.
Monday, December 15, marks the deadline to enroll and be covered by January 1. After Monday, policies will begin on February 1, with the open enrollment deadline being January 15.
But Connect for Health Colorado said 5% fewer people have enrolled as of the start of December, and while they said they aren’t sure what is contributing to this, it does come as expected premiums will increase.
In Washington, Congress failed to pass a renewal of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
“In El Paso County, it’s about a 92% increase, and so, close to doubling,” Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer Nina Schwartz, with Connect for Health Colorado, said.
But Schwartz said there are still affordable options for health care in Colorado due, in large part, to a new expansion of state-funded assistance.
“I will say, if people shop, there are still affordable plans available, about 58% of our customers will be able to find an option for $10 or less a month,” Schwartz said.
She said anyone with an income between 100-400% of the federal poverty level is eligible for assistance.
For a single person, this means an income between $15,000 and $62,000.
For a family of four, that range is closer to $32,000 and $128,000, according to Connect for Health Colorado.
But with Congress set to vote soon on a new plan, projected premiums could change. Schwartz said Connect for Health Colorado is willing to work with anyone who might want to adjust their plan based on whatever comes out of Washington.
“Typically, when there is any kind of change to underlying premiums and policies, we do find a way to make sure that customers have that information and have the options to be able to select the plan that’s best for their needs if there is a change,” she said.
In the meantime, she said they are focused on how things stand in Colorado right now and want to make sure everyone knows there are options available.
“Don’t assume that there aren’t going to be good options, especially with Colorado premium assistance. There are really affordable options for Colorado families,” she said.
