Plan year 2026 open enrollment starts Nov. 1

Open enrollment for plan year 2026 begins tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1, Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, announced today. 

The annual enrollment period — which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 — offers Colorado residents the opportunity to shop for new affordable health insurance options or renew their current plans. 

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, and an estimated 65 percent of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half — 58 percent — of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month. 

With rising health insurance premiums and the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs), Connect for Health Colorado is encouraging customers to shop and compare plans and rely on expert assistance to help them enroll. 

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” said Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado. “Shopping and comparing plans this year is more critical than ever.”

To help customers shop and compare, Connect for Health is launching an improved Estimate and Explore tool that significantly upgrades the previous Quick Cost and Plan Finder Tool. The enhanced Estimate and Explore tool offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

“Even with premium increases and the expiration of ePTCs, shopping and comparing plans during the annual open enrollment period may help customers find affordable options,” Patterson said. “And, our customers aren’t in this alone. Our free, statewide network of certified assisters and insurance brokers speak more than 22 languages and can answer customers’ questions — at no cost.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s website will update at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, with information for plan year 2026, and customers will be able to begin enrolling. 

Important dates and information about open enrollment

• Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2025, and ends Jan. 15, 2026. 
• Customers must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2026.
• Six health insurance companies are offering medical plans for 2026: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Select Health.
• Colorado Option plans can make health care more affordable and accessible for Colorado residents. Customers can expect to pay $0 for doctor visits for annual check-ups, health screenings, immunizations and maternity care, as well as $0 for visits with a therapist, counselor or doctor for mental or behavioral health or substance abuse. 

Changes to financial assistance

• Financial help is changing. Federal ePTCs are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, unless Congress acts to extend them. Advanced Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions remain available, but are returning to pre-pandemic levels. This means many customers will receive less financial help. Connect for Health Colorado is prepared to support customers if Congress acts and extends ePTCs during the annual open enrollment period. 
• Premiums are rising. The Colorado Division of Insurance released final approved premium information for private health insurance plans in 2026. Connect for Health Colorado estimates net premiums will double on average for all customers who are receiving financial assistance, with larger net premium increases for people in rural counties and for older adults.
• State help is available. Colorado is introducing Colorado Premium Assistance to help reduce monthly costs for households between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. While Colorado Premium Assistance may not replace the reduced federal support of ePTCs, it will still provide meaningful savings for many families.

Get free, expert assistance

Connect for Health Colorado is committed to providing Coloradans with the resources they need to make informed choices about their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified assisters and insurance brokers are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling (855) 752-6749.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.