Colorado: Analysis finds higher premiums & less help for CO health insurance customers (ya think?)

via Connect for Health Colorado:

Denver, Colo.– Health insurance premiums will increase for many people who buy health insurance through Colorado’s official marketplace and fewer customers in 2026 will qualify for financial help to offset those costs, according to a new analysis from Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Most of the cost increase is the result of Congress allowing federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) to expire.

Connect for Health Colorado’s analysis is based on the Colorado Division of Insurance’s announcement of final health insurance premium rates for plan year 2026, and reflects the expiration of ePTCs and the benefit of the introduction of Colorado Premium Assistance, which will reduce premiums for some customers.

Connect for Health Colorado’s customer impact analysis shows 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. It also shows the percentage of customers eligible for financial help could decrease from 81% in 2025 to 65% in 2026.

Among the key findings in Connect for Health Colorado’s analysis:

• Marketplace customers who currently receive financial assistance will experience average net premium increases of 100%, with some rural areas seeing increases of over 200%. Customers in Montrose County, for example, will see an average 246% increase in net premiums, while customers in Crowley County will see an average 223% increase, and customers in Garfield County will see an average 200% increase.

• Marketplace customers ages 55-64 who currently receive financial assistance will experience average net premium increases of 144%, or about $235 more per month.

• Marketplace customers who currently do not receive financial assistance will see average gross premium increases of 27%, or about $122 more per month.

• With the expiration of ePTCs, about 36,000 marketplace customers with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level will lose financial assistance, leading to average net premium increases near 142%.

• Under H.R. 1, approximately 1,800 lawfully present immigrants who are ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status will lose eligibility for financial help through the marketplace, resulting in average net premium increases exceeding 5,000%.

“Shopping for coverage is more critical than ever this year,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Even with premium increases and the expiration of ePTCs, shopping and comparing plans during the annual open enrollment period (Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026) may help customers find affordable options.”

“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,” Patterson said. “Our priority is and has always been to help customers understand their options and find the best, most affordable coverage for them.”

“We are encouraging everyone to shop and compare plans, and to rely on expert assistance,” Patterson said. “Our free, statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers speak more than 22 languages. They can answer questions and help customers apply – at no cost.”

Patterson also said Connect for Health Colorado is prepared to assist customers if Congress extends ePTCs before or during the annual open enrollment period.

“We’re grateful to the Colorado Legislature for introducing Colorado Premium Assistance and recognizing the importance of affordable health insurance – but CPA alone can’t fully replace the lost federal support,” Patterson said. “It’s not too late for Congress to extend enhanced Premium Tax Credits for our customers. We’re ready to act and prepared to work as quickly as possible to ensure the customers we serve have reliable, high-quality and affordable health insurance.”