Starting November 1, 2026, some customers shopping for 2027 health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado will see something new: off-exchange plans. That sounds contradictory. For years, we’ve explained “off-exchange” as coverage purchased outside Connect for Health Colorado. Now, certain off-exchange plans will be available through the same account and shopping platform. The distinction still… Read more about Off-Exchange Plans Coming to Connect for Health Colorado for 2027
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Big Network Changes for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Colorado
Anthem’s Colorado network changes involve two separate developments: a confirmed change to Pathway Essentials and ongoing HCA HealthONE negotiations affecting Pathway HMO. Updated October 28, 2026 Pathway Essentials: HCA leaves December 1 Anthem has confirmed that all HCA HealthONE hospitals and doctors will leave its Colorado Pathway Essentials network on December 1, 2026. Members can… Read more about Big Network Changes for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Colorado
ICHRA Is Now Called CHOICE: What Colorado Employers Should Know
If you’ve been looking into health insurance for your Colorado business, you may have come across ICHRA. Now there’s another name to know: CHOICE Arrangement. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is using CHOICE as the new name for the benefit previously called an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, or ICHRA. You may… Read more about ICHRA Is Now Called CHOICE: What Colorado Employers Should Know
2027 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
The IRS has released the official 2027 limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). The increases are relatively modest this year, but they continue to give individuals and families a way to save more money tax-free for future medical expenses. 2027 HSA Contribution Limits: 2027 HDHP Deductible Minimum: 2027 HDHP… Read more about 2027 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
Connect for Health Colorado Is Changing How Renewals Work for 2027
The biggest change is that eligible customers will be automatically renewed into their health plan before Open Enrollment begins, rather than during Open Enrollment as part of the process used in prior years
Cigna Is Exiting the Individual Market in 2027
Cigna just announced they’re exiting the individual and family health insurance market starting in 2027. Nothing is changing right now. If you have a Cigna plan today, your coverage stays exactly the same through the end of 2026. Starting in 2027, Cigna won’t offer medical plans for individuals and families anymore. When open enrollment rolls… Read more about Cigna Is Exiting the Individual Market in 2027
When Your Health Insurance “Isn’t Working”
If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office frustrated, or stood at a pharmacy being told your prescription isn’t covered, you’re not alone. This happens all the time. It feels like the plan is broken, but in most cases, it’s something fixable once we pinpoint what’s going on. Let’s break down the usual culprits. The 4… Read more about When Your Health Insurance “Isn’t Working”
What Is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
An Explanation of Benefits, or EOB, is a summary from your insurance company that shows how a medical claim was handled. It is not a bill. It is simply a breakdown of what happened after a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy submitted a claim. Think of it as a receipt from your insurance company. Each EOB… Read more about What Is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
Why Does Your Insurance Company Recommend an HSA Administrator?
If you’ve enrolled in a high-deductible HSA qualified health plan, you’ve probably seen notifications from your insurance company like this: “Your plan qualifies you to set up an HSA. Enroll Now.” Just click the Enroll Now button and it’s set up. Simple, convenient, and feels like part of the package. But your insurance company didn’t… Read more about Why Does Your Insurance Company Recommend an HSA Administrator?
Picking a Colorado Health Insurance Plan
You like Kaiser? The plan you picked is Kaiser Select, which is Kaiser, but smaller and cheaper, and your doctor doesn’t take that. They take the full Kaiser network, called KP, and the smaller network is KP Select. They might take Select Health, which isn’t the same as UCHealth because UCHealth isn’t insurance, it’s a… Read more about Picking a Colorado Health Insurance Plan
Why Do I Have a $1 Premium?
Why Your Health Insurance Still Shows a One Dollar Charge, Even When Your Subsidy Covers Everything If you enroll in health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, you might notice something strange this year. Even if your subsidy covers the entire premium, the plan still shows a price of one dollar per person per month…. Read more about Why Do I Have a $1 Premium?
Catch Up Contributions as a Couple
If you are 55 or over, you need to know the term “catch up contribution.” It sounds straightforward, but once you start thinking about how it works for two people in the same household, the details get confusing fast. Let’s break it down in a way that feels less like tax code and more like… Read more about Catch Up Contributions as a Couple
Catastrophic Health Insurance in Colorado for 2027
Catastrophic health insurance can be worth considering if you want a lower monthly premium and can handle substantial out-of-pocket costs when you need care. But it isn’t automatically the cheapest option, and not everyone qualifies to enroll. For 2027, start by comparing the premiums available for your household. Calculate Your 2027 Catastrophic Plan Premium Our… Read more about Catastrophic Health Insurance in Colorado for 2027
2026 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
The IRS has announced the 2026 HSA contribution limits: $4,550 for self-only and $9,100 for family coverage. See how these updates affect HDHP requirements, and why HSA plans may still be worth considering for tax savings and future medical expenses.
2025 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
The IRS has released the 2025 HSA contribution limits: $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families. Learn how this impacts HDHP requirements and why these plans may not always be the cheapest despite high deductibles.
Kaiser Hospital Networks in Colorado: KP Select, Colorado Option, and Full Network
Kaiser’s hospital options in Colorado have expanded, but the hospitals available to you still depend on which plan you choose. For 2027 shoppers, there are three groups worth comparing: KP Select, Kaiser’s Colorado Option individual and family plans, and the full KP Colorado network, labeled Colorado HMO/EPO in Kaiser’s provider directory. Based on the premiums… Read more about Kaiser Hospital Networks in Colorado: KP Select, Colorado Option, and Full Network
APTC Reconciliation and Form 8962
Most people who enroll in an exchange/Marketplace health plan are eligible for an advance premium tax credit (APTC). But it’s important to understand how this is reconciled with the IRS after the year is over.
Screening Colonoscopy Incorrectly Billed as Diagnostic? What to Check
As long as you use an in-network facility, all costs associated with a screening colonoscopy should be paid by the health plan, including the bowel preparation drink, the facility fee, the doctor’s fee, and the anesthesiologist’s fee.
What is an Expanded Bronze Plan?
there is also an option to offer “expanded” bronze plans that can have higher AV than regular bronze plans. In order to be considered expanded bronze, a plan must
What is Silver Loading in the Connect for Health Colorado ACA Exchange?
On exchange with Silver Loading (no Cost Sharing Reduction) vs Off Exchange
Fixing the ACA’s Medicare Glitch
This article was co-written with Andrew Sprung, who writes about health care reform and health policy at xpostfactoid. Andrew has closely followed all aspects of ACA implementation over the years, and his website provides a wealth of information about health care reform. His work has also been published at healthinsurance.org and Health Affairs. For most… Read more about Fixing the ACA’s Medicare Glitch
2022 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
The IRS has released 2022 limits for HSA Contributions and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). 2022 HSA Contribution Limits: Self-Only: $3,650 (up from $3,600 in 2021) Family: $7,300 (up from $7,200 in 2021) 2022 HDHP Deductible Minimum: Self-Only: $1,400 ($1,400 in 2021) Family: $2,800 ($2,800 in 2021) 2022 HDHP Out-of-Pocket Expense Maximum: Self-Only: $7,000 ($7,050… Read more about 2022 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
The American Rescue Plan and your Colorado health insurance
You may have seen headlines recently about how the American Rescue Plan (HR1319) makes health insurance more affordable for people who buy their own coverage. As always, you can reach out to me if you have questions about your specific circumstances. But I wanted to summarize some general information: Section 9662 of the American Rescue… Read more about The American Rescue Plan and your Colorado health insurance
Special enrollment window through May 15, 2021
If you’re uninsured in Colorado, you have another opportunity to enroll in health coverage for 2021. Connect for Health Colorado has opened a special enrollment window that closely mirrors the enrollment window that the Biden administration announced for states that use HealthCare.gov (DC and 14 states, including Colorado, run their own exchanges; the rest of… Read more about Special enrollment window through May 15, 2021
What if Republicans had succeeded in repeal of the Affordable Care Act?
By Andrew Sprung, David Anderson and Louise Norris On November 10, the Trump administration will ask the Supreme Court in oral argument to declare the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional – and nullify the law in the midst of a pandemic, uninsuring an estimated 23 million people. As Republicans rushed to confirm the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett… Read more about What if Republicans had succeeded in repeal of the Affordable Care Act?