Colorado Residents: What to Do When You Miss Open Enrollment in 2024

The Connect for Health Colorado deadline expired on January 15th.

That was the last day most Coloradans could sign up for a subsidy-eligible Connect For Health Colorado health insurance plan with guaranteed enrollment privileges.

But don’t worry: You still have options. You and your family don’t have to go completely without a health plan in 2024.

Depending on your situation, here are some actions you can take to get some protection against the high cost of healthcare in place this year – even outside of Open Enrollment.

Option 1: Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A SEP is a 60-day period outside of the normal Open Enrollment Period during which certain people are allowed to enroll in a Connect For Health Colorado health insurance plan with guaranteed enrollment.

That is, if you qualify for a SEP, you don’t have to go through medical underwriting. The insurance company must accept all applicants.

However, to qualify for a SEP, you must experience a qualifying life event.

Qualifying events include getting married, having a baby, or losing existing health coverage. These events can open a window for individuals to enroll in or change their health insurance outside the standard open enrollment period.

If you have questions about Special Enrollment Periods, or you think you may qualify for one, no problem! Just click the link to make an appointment for a free consultation with a ColoHealth Personal Benefits Manager.

Health Sharing Plans

Health sharing plans, also known as healthcare sharing ministries, offer an innovative approach to managing healthcare costs. They are not insurance products, but they still offer tremendous benefits when it comes to helping members pay for unexpected medical expenses.

These plans are particularly appealing as a more affordable alternative to traditional insurance, especially when compared to unsubsidized Obamacare premiums.

Additionally, health share plans don’t have any open enrollment periods to worry about. You can enroll in a health sharing plan at any time during the year.

So these plans are open to you even outside the Connect For Health Colorado Open Enrollment period.

Learn more about health sharing plans in Colorado.

How Health Sharing Works

In these plans, members contribute a set monthly amount, akin to a premium.

However, unlike traditional insurance, these contributions are directly used to pay for the medical expenses of other members in the plan. This mutual aid approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among members.

Guidelines and Limitations

Health sharing plans often come with specific guidelines regarding the types of medical expenses that are eligible for sharing.

For instance, some plans may exclude sharing for pre-existing conditions or certain types of medical procedures.

Note: While health share plans typically do impose waiting periods before costs related to pre-existing conditions become shareable, you can still potentially enroll, even with pre-existing conditions.

Some protection is much better than nothing.

Note: These plans may require members to adhere to specific lifestyle choices or religious beliefs, reflecting the values and principles of the community.

Make an appointment for a free consultation with a Colorado health sharing plan expert.

 LEARN MORE: The Best Health Sharing Plans in Colorado (2024 Update)

Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)

Here are some specialized programs available to Colorado residents in certain circumstances.

These programs can be a great match for lower-income families, families with young children, and those on Medicaid or who may be Medicaid-eligible.

Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) are state-run programs that offer comprehensive health insurance coverage at free or low cost.

These programs are designed to provide essential health services to qualifying residents, including doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, emergency room trips, vaccinations, and more.

No Open Enrollment Period

If you qualify, you can enroll in Health First Colorado or CHP+ at any time during the year. These programs don’t have an open enrollment period.

Eligibility and Application Process: Eligibility for these programs is based on factors such as income, family size, and residency.

To apply for Health First Colorado, click here.

To apply for CHP+, click here.

Navigating the post-open enrollment landscape requires diligence, research, and sometimes persistence, but with the right approach, securing appropriate health insurance coverage is achievable. Let one of our Personal Benefits Managers help with a free consultation.

Further Reading: Why Colorado Doctors Are Switching to Direct Primary Care | The Top 10 Health Insurance Mistakes Colorado People Make