Connect for Health Colorado launches 2027 ACA window shopping

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Colorado Health Insurance Shoppers Get an Early Look at 2027 Plans and Prices

• Connect for Health Colorado’s Estimate & Explore tool is now available with new plan year information; customers can begin enrolling on Nov. 1.

COLORADO – Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace is giving customers an early look at 2027 health insurance plans, offering more time for people to compare coverage and costs before the annual open enrollment period begins.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Estimate & Explore tool offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons to help customers understand their coverage options. Customers can preview and compare 2027 plans now so they are prepared when open enrollment begins on Nov. 1.

Colorado has taken significant steps to keep coverage costs below what customers might otherwise face. Even so, affordability remains a real concern for many Coloradans, making it especially important to compare plans and understand the financial help that may be available.

The Colorado Division of Insurance announced last month health insurance premiums will rise on average 10% for customers on the individual market. The division’s release of final 2027 rates allowed Connect for Health Colorado to load updated plan and cost information into the Estimate & Explore tool earlier than usual. Connect for Health Colorado does not set health insurance rates.

Side note: A few weeks ago I was confused when the CO Dept. of Regulatory Agencies stated average 2027 premiums would be around 10% higher instead of the 12.8% I had calculated. I contacted CO DORA to clarify, and it was explained to me that the 10% is based on what they're projecting the average increase to be based on Cigna, which currently holds a significant share of the CO individual market, pulling out of the state; basically, they're modeling which other carriers they expect Cigna's current enrollees to transition to.

This is an unusual way to report a weighted average in my view, but at least it provides some context for the 10% estimate.

“Choosing health insurance is an important financial decision, and we want Coloradans to have as much time as possible to explore their options,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “By making 2027 plan information available now, customers have more time to look closely at their coverage and costs, ask questions and get help from an expert before it’s time to enroll.”

The extra time may be especially valuable this year. Connect for Health Colorado’s data shows that lower-cost 2027 plans are available to many customers who receive financial help. About 60% could find a plan for $10 or less per month, and 3 out of 4 could find a plan for $75 or less per month if they shop and compare.

Customers can use the Estimate & Explore tool to compare monthly premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and other costs, and consider whether their current plan still meets their needs and budget.

“Our message to Coloradans is simple: Take advantage of this time,” Patterson said. “Compare your options, consider how your health care needs may have changed, and get help from an expert if you need it. You don’t have to make a decision today but you can prepare and be ready on Nov. 1 when it’s time to enroll.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified Assisters and health insurance Brokers can help customers make informed decisions about their health coverage. Experts are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply for free, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

Open enrollment for Plan Year 2027 runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027. Customers who enroll by Dec. 15 will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Customers who enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will have coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2027.

Coloradans can use the Estimate & Explore tool now, find free expert help on Connect for Health Colorado’s website, or call 855-752-6749 if they have questions.