Connect for Health Colorado Enrollment Deadline Approaches Amid Subsidy Changes

Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace, has set the enrollment deadline for January 1, 2026 coverage as December 15, 2025. The marketplace is actively encouraging applicants to complete their applications promptly to avoid any gaps in coverage and ensure continuous access to health insurance. With approximately 65% of the marketplace's customers eligible for financial assistance, significant subsidies are available to help reduce the cost of insurance premiums for the upcoming plan year. More than half of those receiving aid may find plans with net premiums under $10 per month, highlighting the affordability of options currently offered. Despite these incentives, enrollment numbers for 2026 have decreased by roughly 5% compared to the same period last year, with just over 210,000 Coloradans enrolled as of late November 2025. This decline is partly attributed to the impending expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) scheduled for the end of 2025, which are set to double net premiums for many consumers when they lapse. In response, Colorado legislators are introducing a state-level Premium Assistance program to support households within 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level, although this may not fully match the financial relief provided by expiring federal subsidies. State officials emphasize the importance of exploring available plan options through Connect for Health Colorado's certified network of Assisters and insurance brokers, which offer free application support in multiple languages. The marketplace also provides advanced tools for personalized plan recommendations and comprehensive side-by-side comparisons to aid consumers in making informed decisions. The potential premium increases linked to the termination of ePTCs have prompted calls from state insurance authorities and congressional representatives for federal action to extend these tax credits. The continuation of these subsidies is seen as a critical factor in maintaining affordable health insurance coverage for a significant portion of Colorado residents relying on the individual market. This dynamic underscores broader challenges in the insurance industry surrounding the sustainability of subsidy programs and the interplay between federal and state initiatives in managing health coverage affordability. Connect for Health Colorado's efforts to bridge these gaps reflect ongoing attempts to stabilize the marketplace amid evolving regulatory and economic conditions.