Enrollment in Colorado health insurance marketplace is up, with one month to go

More Coloradans signed up for health insurance through the state’s exchange as of Sunday than had at the same time last year, though the significance of the increase will become clearer next week.

Monica Caballeros, spokeswoman for Connect for Health Colorado, said the agency will have a clearer picture of how many more people signed up after it processes automatic renewals on Tuesday. People who bought coverage through the exchange for this year, but might want to choose a different plan next year, need to do their shopping before then.

New customers who want insurance coverage that starts Jan. 1 also need to sign up by Tuesday. The final deadline for coverage in 2021 is Jan. 15. After the open enrollment window closes, only people who experience a major life change, like losing a job or having a child, can sign up for coverage.

More than 148,000 people had enrolled as of Sunday. Connect for Health Colorado estimated about 70% qualified for financial help.

People earning up to 400% of the poverty line can qualify for tax credits to reduce the monthly cost of health insurance through the exchange. That comes out to $51,040 for an individual and $104,800 for a family of four.

Statewide, the monthly cost of insurance dropped 1.4% compared to last year, but some counties saw price increases, while others had larger decreases.

“I’m encouraged that so many people have signed up for a medical plan that will give them the coverage they need. I hope this also gives them some peace of mind going into the new year,” Connect for Health Colorado CEO Kevin Patterson said in a news release.

For information about how to enroll, visit ConnectForHealthCO.com.

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