Consumer Advisory: Deadline for Health Insurance Enrollment is December 15 to Have Health Insurance by January 1
Critical date for individual health insurance approaches.
DENVER - The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), reminds Coloradans who need individual health insurance (meaning not from an employer) that a key deadline is approaching on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
While open enrollment will continue here in Colorado and across the country until Jan. 15, 2022, people who want to have their health insurance in place by Jan. 1, must enroll by Dec. 15.
“With the additional financial assistance available to so many Coloradans, the affordability of health insurance shouldn’t be a barrier to getting coverage for the coming year,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “I encourage anyone who needs health insurance to ask questions, get help and sign up for coverage by December 15, so everything can be in place for the start of 2022.”
Get Assistance from Connect for Health Colorado
Colorado’s health exchange, Connect for Health Colorado, offers people a number of ways to get help with choosing and enrolling in individual health insurance plans, including free in-person and virtual assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help, which includes insurance brokers, enrollment assisters, live chat and enrollment centers around the state. Additionally, Connect for Health Colorado offers tools such as their Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help check eligibility for financial assistance while finding plans that fit consumers’ needs. Coloradans can also contact Connect for Health Colorado by phone at 855-752-6749.
Many people are eligible for financial assistance that can make their plans more affordable, and assistance is only available when enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado. New for 2022, some Colorado residents may qualify for additional financial assistance. People with incomes between 1.5x and 2x the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), meaning an annual income between $19,320 and $25,760 for a household of one, or between $39,750 and $53,000 for a family of four, will be able to get help to lower costs when receiving care, such as co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles. The additional support is expected to help over 50,000 existing and new enrollees in individual insurance. People can take advantage of this opportunity by enrolling for 2022 coverage through Connect for Health Colorado and choosing a silver-level plan.
Choosing Health Insurance for 2022
Open enrollment is an opportunity to comparison shop to find the plan that best fits your health needs and budget. While premiums are important, when shopping for health insurance, people should consider other factors such as deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance costs, doctor preferences, health conditions and prescription coverage. All of these should play into your decision.
A good place to start is understanding one’s current health insurance. Consumers who have questions about their current plans should contact their insurance company, Connect for Health Colorado, their insurance broker, their employer or the Division of Insurance (303-894-7490 / 800-930-3745 / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us).
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About the Division of Insurance:
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 800-886-7675.
