Between Nov.1 and Nov. 13, more than 16,000 Coloradans selected health coverage for 2017 through the state health insurance exchange according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado, a marketplace for individuals, families and small employers seeking health care options.
“The number of initial sign-ups during the first two weeks of Open Enrollment are very encouraging,” said Connect for Health Colorado CEO Kevin Patterson. “There has been a lot of talk about the future of health care since the election, but I want everyone to remember that the financial help to buy health insurance is still available for next year. I urge everybody to review their options and complete their enrollment before the last-minute rush.”
“The pace of sign ups is running 30 percent higher than last year,” Patterson said, “with 1,300 to 1,600 plan selections submitted each weekday during the first days of the annual Open Enrollment Period.” Enrollees submitted 16,305 plan selections through Sunday. The total was 12,496 for comparable days in 2015. The 2017 plan selections include 2,648 customers who are new to Connect for Health Colorado.
November 9, the day after the election, saw more than 1,400 plan selections, one of the busier days so far.
Key Dates
Key dates and deadlines for individuals and families buying private coverage are:
- Open Enrollment: Nov. 1, 2016 – Jan. 31, 2017.
- You cannot purchase health insurance after this period unless you have a qualifying life-change event, such as marriage, divorce, having a child, losing your employer-sponsored insurance, or moving to Colorado.
- Last day to enroll for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2017, is Dec. 15, 2016.
- Last day to enroll for 2017 coverage (absent a life changing event): Jan. 31, 2017.
If you need health insurance, find out about the options in Colorado, or if you have insurance through one of Connect for Health, you can re-enroll.
