Open enrollment deadline nears for 2026 health insurance coverage

Colorado's health insurance open enrollment period is heading into its final stretch, with Jan. 15 as the last day to enroll in coverage for 2026. Residents who still need health insurance should act quickly to explore their options and secure coverage for the new year. Those who enroll by Jan. 15 will have new coverage starting Feb. 1.

Health needs and financial circumstances can change from year to year, and insurance plans and prices change as well. Open Enrollment is the chance to review your current plan, compare new options and make sure you have the most affordable coverage for 2026. This year brings some important changes that consumers should note. One major change is financial: The expanded federal Premium Tax Credits that have helped lower premiums in recent years expire at the end of 2025. As a result, many Marketplace customers will receive less federal financial help than they did last year, which could lead to higher monthly premiums in 2026.

To help offset this, Colorado is introducing a new state subsidy called Colorado Premium Assistance. If you qualify for federal tax credits, CPA will automatically provide additional state-funded discounts on your monthly premium. For eligible households, the state assistance can be up to about $80 per month for the first adult and $29 for each additional family member in your plan, or an amount equal to your remaining premium after the federal credit, whichever is smaller.

Plans and prices can change every year, even with the same insurer. It's wise to shop around instead of automatically renewing. Connect for Health Colorado offers an upgraded "Estimate & Explore" tool that lets you compare medical and dental plans side-by-side and estimate your costs without logging in. Using this tool can help you see which plan gives the best value for your needs, especially as deductibles, co-pays and provider networks may have changed. And if your income qualifies you for cost-sharing reductions (extra discounts on out-of-pocket costs), be sure to choose a Silver-level plan to get those savings – they won't apply to Bronze or Gold plans.

Colorado has expanded health coverage access to groups previously left out. Under the new "Cover All Coloradans" law that took effect in 2025, pregnant people and children can now qualify for the same coverage as Medicaid or CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) regardless of immigration status, as long as they are Colorado residents and meet the income requirements. Medicaid and CHP+ enrollment is year-round, not limited to open enrollment, so eligible individuals can apply at any time. Finally, for community members who are undocumented and not eligible for Medicaid, Colorado Connect provides a pathway to get insured. Through the OmniSalud program on Colorado Connect, undocumented residents can purchase health plans and may receive special state subsidies to help with the monthly cost. Though subsidies are already allocated for 2026, even without a subsidy, undocumented residents can still buy a health plan through Colorado Connect, ensuring that everyone has an option to obtain coverage.

Navigating health insurance can be difficult, even for experts. Fortunately, free one-on-one assistance is available to help community members find affordable coverage and understand their coverage. La Plata County Public Health's Health Insurance Literacy program offers unbiased, free, and confidential guidance to anyone in the community, regardless of documentation status. Connect for Health Colorado Certified Health Coverage Guides (also known as Assisters) can walk you through the enrollment process, explain the differences between plans, and help determine what financial assistance or programs you might be eligible for. This year, the health department has even expanded its team by onboarding two new Assisters to serve local residents who can assist community members in English and Spanish. These experts can help you evaluate coverage options, understand premium increases or benefit changes, and use tools like the new plan comparison tool to make informed decisions.

Time is short, but you don't have to figure it all out alone. To get free help, contact La Plata County Public Health's Health Insurance Literacy team at 828-8850, or email [email protected] to request an appointment or more information. Appointments can be done in person or virtually, and there's no obligation or cost to talk with an expert. Open Enrollment ends Jan. 15 – after that date, you would need a special qualifying life event to sign up for 2026 coverage – so now is the time to act. There are also Insurance brokers available locally to support people with selecting and enrolling in plans that best fit their needs.

La Plata County's health care challenges are part of a larger national crisis, but local knowledge and local solutions do matter. Until federal leaders strengthen and stabilize the system, residents must navigate a complex landscape with care – because without our health, we have nothing.

Audrey Gallegos is the La Plata County Public Health Department's Certified Connect for Health Colorado Health Coverage guide. Reach her at 903-8536 or [email protected].

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