Due to changes at the federal level, insurance premiums purchased from the health exchange (Connect for Health Colorado) are anticipated to increase significantly in 2026. While the situation is dynamic, Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) is urging the public to be aware about and prepared for these increases.
Fortunately, many Coloradans can expect some financial assistance from the Colorado Premium Assistance for plans through Connect for Health Colorado. Anyone over the 400% poverty level will likely not receive assistance. However, final decisions have not yet been made.
You can use the financial help income guideline chart to see what percentage increase you may expect. Utilize the Estimate & Explore tool to calculate financial assistance you may be eligible for and how it would be applied on an insurance plan. This will be the best and easiest way to calculate the new monthly premium. Be sure to change the enrollment date to 01/01/2026.
Colorado Premium Assistance:
- For 2026, all Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC)-eligible Coloradans with a household income less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will be eligible for Colorado Premium Assistance (CPA).
- Premiums for eligible customers will be reduced up to $80 per month for the first household member and $29 per member per month for each additional household member with a premium.
- Customers will not be required to do anything to opt into the benefit; it will be applied automatically for eligible customers.
- Unlike APTC, CPA is not a tax benefit and does not need to be reported or reconciled when customers file their taxes. CPA is not considered taxable income.
- In order to fund CPA, HIAE will no longer be funding enhanced CSRs in 2026. CSRs will return to federally mandated levels, which means that customers in the 150%-200% FPL range will see an increase in their cost-sharing requirements.
Important Dates:
November 1: First Day to enroll in a Health Insurance plan that begins January 1st.
December 15th: Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1st.
Enroll between December 16th – January 15th for coverage starting February 1.
It’s important to shop thoroughly and not assume you will have the same coverage or financial assistance as last year.
Need help or have questions?
Consider making an appointment with Health Insurance Navigator Michelle Nay through Chaffee County Public Health. Appointments are filling up quickly!
You can make an appointment with the below link:
Michelle Nay
Appointments: https://assistancenetwork.findhelp.com/scheduler/search/81201?radius=25
New Cell Number: 719-839-9714
mnay@chaffeecounty.org
(New business hours- Monday- Thursday 8:00am- 5:00pm)