Open enrollment for individual health insurance in Colorado started Sunday. The Colorado Division of Insurance says state programs, including Colorado Option plans, are helping hold down costs for 2027 coverage.

The individual market is for people who do not get health insurance from an employer. It is also for people who do not get coverage through a government program like Medicare or Medicaid. The division urges everyone to review the plans available for 2027. It also asks people to find out what financial help they may qualify for.

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People can shop and compare plans on Connect for Health Colorado, the state's marketplace. The Estimate & Explore Tool shows what financial help is available.

"Coloradans who buy insurance through the Colorado Option are saving hundreds of dollars and this nation-leading public option is delivering real savings for Coloradans. I encourage all eligible Coloradans to explore plans through open enrollment for 2027 coverage using Connect for Health Colorado and see what you can save," said Governor Jared Polis.

On average, premiums in Colorado's individual market will rise 10 percent. The national median increase is 15 percent. For Plan Year 2027, the division saved Colorado consumers $42,136,281 on premiums through its rate review process.

People enrolled in a Colorado Option plan for 2027 will pay $14-$33 less each month in premiums. They will also pay 15 percent less in out-of-pocket costs.

"I am so proud of all of the progress that the Polis-Primavera administration has made on saving Coloradans money on health care. The Colorado Option is setting the national standard for transparent and affordable health care insurance plans. If you buy your own insurance, take time to shop and compare on Connect for Health Colorado," said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, who is also Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care.

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"Health insurance is absolutely vital in keeping people and their families healthy," said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. "That's why we worked so hard here in Colorado to pass legislation to keep health insurance costs down. I want to remind consumers that Colorado Option plans offer easy to understand benefits with lower average premiums across the State. I encourage everyone to review available plans during open enrollment and sign up for health insurance for 2027."

Governor Polis signed SB26-178 into law earlier this year. The law continues two relief programs: Reinsurance and Colorado Premium Assistance. Because of Colorado Premium Assistance, customers who get financial help will see an estimated net premium increase of just $20 per month from 2026 to 2027. Without this support, increases would have been more than three times higher. They would have averaged $69 per month.

The Reinsurance program has lowered premiums since 2020. In Plan Year 2027, it will save Coloradans nearly $470 million. By the end of 2027, it will have saved Coloradans over $2.5 billion since 2020.

Connect for Health Colorado estimates that 69 percent of customers are likely to qualify for financial help. Among individual market customers who qualify, 60 percent could find a plan for $10 or less per month by shopping and comparing.

"Too many people assume they don't qualify for savings, but that's not always the case," said Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado. "By shopping and comparing plans through Connect for Health Colorado, many Coloradans will find lower-cost coverage, financial assistance, or a plan that better meets their health care needs. Open Enrollment is an opportunity to explore your options and potentially save money."

Coloradans who no longer get health coverage through Medicaid should review their options during open enrollment.

The division also urges consumers to check whether a plan meets Affordable Care Act standards. Plans sold through Connect for Health Colorado offer full coverage that meets these standards, such as $0 preventative care visits.

Limited benefit plans do not meet those standards. They include short-term plans, limited benefit plans, trade association plans and discount plans. These plans are not sold through Connect for Health Colorado. They are often sold through unsolicited calls and text messages from brokers who are not affiliated with the marketplace.

Limited benefit plans often have low monthly costs. However, they likely do not offer full coverage. They may exclude services that Affordable Care Act plans cover, such as pregnancy or delivery services or pre-existing conditions. These plans are meant to help pay deductibles and out-of-pocket costs alongside a full plan. They are not a substitute for a plan that meets Affordable Care Act standards. To confirm that a broker is licensed, visit doi.colorado.gov.

Open enrollment lasts until January 15, 2027. To have coverage in place by January 1, 2027, people must enroll by December 15, 2026. For people who enroll between December 16, 2026 and January 15, 2027, coverage will start February 1, 2027.

To shop for plans and enroll, visit connectforhealthco.com.