The uninsured enrollment period in Colorado has been extended until May 15, 2021. This means that those who are currently without insurance can still enroll to receive insurance through Connect for Health, Colorado’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace.
The role of Connect for Health is to help Coloradans find and register for health insurance plans in Colorado. They also provide enrollment assistance and help people find financial assistance.
The standard open enrollment period takes place from November 1 to January 15. The extension of the enrollment period is due to the impact of coronavirus on the economy and the increase in the amount of unemployment. The current open enrollment period is only for those currently uninsured.
“People who are currently enrolled on a plan can’t go back in and switch their plans like they normally would during an open enrollment period.” says Monica Caballeros, Communications Manager at Connect for Health. “Simply put if you don’t have health insurance, you lost it from a job, during this enrollment period you can apply, get financial help and get a plan.”
The re-opening up of the enrollment period was inspired by a similar move made by President Biden to extend the enrollment deadline for the federal health insurance marketplace provided through the Affordable Care Act. Connect for Health saw the need and decided to open up the enrollment period for those who are currently uninsured, a number that has increased due to the current pandemic. .
In order to ensure that health care stays affordable to everyone, financial assistance is available to those who are just above the threshold to receive Medicaid.
“You might be surprised how much financial help you can get to help make it affordable. It never hurts to look. We have tools that can help make it simple to look if you don’t want to go through the process of applying.” Caballeros says. “Fifty-five percent of families who are receiving financial help can find a plan for $50 or less.”
Connect for Health strives to make it easy for those to enroll and find a plan. If you are tech savvy and have applied to things online before, Caballeros recommends signing up through Connect for Health’s website. You can also call them and enroll over the phone with representatives that speak Spanish and those that are able to help with other languages.
For those looking for more personalized assistance, Connect for Health also has certified local enrollment assistants that you can find on their website and make an appointment with. These certified professionals will let you know what you qualify for, as well as all the options you have in terms of finding a plan.
“I am encouraging people to come to our website, to give us a call and take a few minutes to give us a look, even if you do an application, you can decide it’s not the right time,” Caballeros says. “There is a lot of financial help available; don’t assume you make too much.”
If you are currently uninsured, you can go to Connect for Health’s website until May 15 and find a plan that is right for you.
