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 matters. Off-exchange plans cannot receive financial assistance, even when you purchase them through the Connect for Health Colorado website.
Which insurance companies and plans are participating
For 2027, this offering is limited to select off-exchange Silver plans from Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health and Rocky Mountain Health Plans / United Healthcare will be available through Connect for Health Colorado.
The platform doesn’t include every off-exchange plan those carriers offer. I had hoped this would provide a broader selection of off-exchange plans in one place. The actual offering is narrower, although it can still be useful if you’re comparing unsubsidized Silver coverage from either participating carrier.
If you don’t qualify for financial assistance, it’s still worth comparing options available outside Connect for Health Colorado. We can help you compare premiums, benefits, provider networks, and prescription coverage.
What plans you’ll see
The options displayed will depend on your eligibility for financial assistance and whether you have an employer reimbursement arrangement.
- If you receive financial assistance: You’ll continue to see on-exchange plans eligible for those savings.
- If you don’t qualify for financial assistance: You may see off-exchange Silver plans from participating carriers alongside available standard on-exchange plans. Your choices depend on where you live.
- If your employer offers an ICHRA: Your options depend on the arrangement’s affordability and whether you choose to use it. You’ll need to work with a broker to enroll through this pathway.
Off-exchange plans will be labeled “Not eligible for savings.” Customers who have access to both types can filter their shopping results.
Why consider an off-exchange Silver plan
Corresponding Silver plans have different premiums on- and off-exchange because of a pricing practice called “Silver loading.”
The additional cost of providing federal cost-sharing reductions is built into on-exchange Silver premiums. Corresponding off-exchange Silver plans have lower premiums, making them worth comparing if you don’t qualify for financial assistance.
Corresponding Bronze and Gold plans have the same premiums on- and off-exchange. An off-exchange plan isn’t automatically a cheaper option across every coverage level.
If your income changes
If an income change makes you newly eligible for financial assistance, you may qualify for a special enrollment period to switch to an on-exchange plan. Assistance cannot be added to your existing off-exchange plan or claimed for those off-exchange coverage months at tax filing.
An on-exchange plan can qualify for a federal premium tax credit even if you don’t take that credit in advance, provided you meet the eligibility requirements when you file your taxes. An off-exchange plan cannot.
For example, suppose you expect your income to be above the subsidy limit and choose an off-exchange plan. If your income later drops enough to qualify for a tax credit, you cannot claim that credit for the months you had off-exchange coverage.
That makes the choice especially important for self-employed people and others whose annual income is difficult to predict. Compare any premium savings with the possibility of qualifying for a tax credit later.
Our subsidies page explains the 2027 income limits and available financial assistance.
What if your employer reimburses your premiums?
If your employer offers an Individual Coverage HRA, commonly called an ICHRA, you’ll need a broker to use the ICHRA enrollment pathway through Connect for Health Colorado.
An affordable ICHRA generally prevents you from receiving marketplace premium tax credits. If the arrangement is considered unaffordable, you may be able to decline it and receive marketplace assistance instead, if otherwise eligible. You cannot combine ICHRA reimbursements with premium tax credits for the same coverage month.
Employer reimbursements are separate from the marketplace savings discussed here. An off-exchange plan may qualify for ICHRA reimbursement even though it cannot receive premium tax credits or Colorado Premium Assistance.
Comparing your options
The website you use will no longer tell you whether your coverage is on- or off-exchange. Check the plan’s designation, its eligibility for financial assistance, and how it fits your expected income.
We provide no-cost help comparing these options. Contact us before enrolling if you’re unsure which route makes sense for your household.