Colorado ACA Marketplace Sees 5% Enrollment Dip Amid Premium Increases

Connect for Health Colorado, the state's individual health insurance marketplace, reported a 5% decline in enrollments for the 2026 plan year compared to the same period last year. As of November 1, 210,139 Coloradans had enrolled, down from approximately 296,499 enrollees in 2025. Open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15, with a December 15 deadline for coverage effective January 1. The enrollment drop is influenced by multiple factors, including rising health insurance premiums linked to the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits. These credits, enacted in 2021 and extended through 2022, are set to lapse on December 31, 2025, which will result in premium increases. Insurers in Colorado are preparing average statewide rate hikes of 28%, and up to 38% in the Western Slope region. The combined impact of expiring subsidies and rate increases may lead to significant premium surges for some consumers, with anecdotal reports of triple or quadruple premium increases in mountain towns. To mitigate some of these impacts, Colorado lawmakers passed a temporary measure to reduce premium spikes for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. About 65% of current enrollees qualify for financial assistance in 2026, and more than half of those receiving aid have at least one plan option with premiums under $10 per month. Changes to federal eligibility criteria also contributed to the enrollment decline, particularly in the annual auto-renewal processes, with certain immigrant groups no longer eligible for Affordable Care Act coverage. Starting in 2026, lawfully present immigrants with incomes below 100% of the federal poverty level who are not Medicaid-eligible due to immigration status will be excluded from subsidized ACA coverage. Six insurers are offering medical plans through Connect for Health Colorado for 2026, including Colorado Option plans that provide comprehensive no-cost services, such as annual check-ups and maternity care. The marketplace continues to provide extensive consumer support through a network of certified assistants and licensed brokers statewide who can assist in multiple languages. Connect for Health Colorado emphasizes its commitment to guiding residents through plan selection despite premium increases and subsidy expirations, aiming to help Coloradans find suitable and affordable coverage options. Further information and assistance are available via the official marketplace website and customer service channels.