Colorado Health Insurance Enrollment Dips Amid Rising Premiums and Expiring Federal Subsidies

The 2025 Colorado Health Access Survey reveals that nearly 9.7% of residents in five southwestern Colorado counties are uninsured, exceeding the statewide uninsured rate of 5.9%. Factors influencing insurance coverage include premium increases and changes to federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which are set to expire. Despite these challenges, Connect for Health Colorado — the state's official health insurance marketplace — reports over 210,000 Coloradans enrolled for plan year 2026, though enrollment is down 5% compared to last year. The decrease partially stems from higher premiums, altered eligibility, and a more cautious consumer approach to plan selection. Connect for Health Colorado remains the exclusive avenue for financial assistance on health insurance plans, with approximately 65% of customers eligible for subsidies. More than half of these customers can access plans with net premiums under $10 monthly, enabled by tools that allow anonymous browsing and cost comparisons. Premiums in Archuleta County have increased significantly for those receiving financial aid — by 126% compared to 2025 — whereas premiums surged by 30% for customers not receiving subsidies. Colorado is responding to rising insurance costs and federal subsidy expirations by implementing state-level solutions including the Colorado Premium Assistance program, legislated through HB25B-1006. This initiative provides targeted financial support for households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, aiming to alleviate premium burdens. The state also offers Colorado Option plans featuring no-cost access to essential health services such as annual check-ups, immunizations, maternity and behavioral health care. Officials urge residents to enroll by December 15, 2025, to avoid coverage gaps when plan year 2026 begins on January 1. Connect for Health Colorado provides a network of multilingual, certified assisters and brokers to guide consumers through the enrollment process at no cost and without purchase obligation. Their mission focuses on expanding insurance access, affordability, and choice for individuals, families, and small employers across Colorado.