Eric Galatas, Public News Service 

DENVER — The costs of health insurance in Colorado are finally stabilizing, and Coloradans who do not get health coverage through their work will have more plans to choose from during this year’s open-enrollment period, which kicked off this week.

Adam Fox, deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, said many more Coloradans may be eligible for financial assistance, due to funds released in the American Rescue Plan that removed income caps.

“There is more assistance available to lower health-insurance costs,” Fox explained. “And there is a network of assisters that can help make it easier for them to navigate what health insurance options may be the best for them and their family.”

Fox added a family of four earning up to $53,000 dollars a year, and individuals making between $20,000 and $25,000, should see much more affordable deductibles and copays, which make it easier to access care.

Enrollment will be open through Jan. 15, and to get health coverage that starts on Jan. 1, Coloradans will need to sign up by Dec. 15 at connectforhealthco.com or calling 855-752-6749.

Thousands of Coloradans turned to the state’s health marketplace for the first time to get coverage after losing their employer-based insurance during the COVID health emergency.

Fox noted while the state’s overall coverage rate is back on track, Latino Coloradans have seen their uninsured rates rise, which puts them at much greater risk of medical bankruptcy.

“And especially in a pandemic, when it’s hard to know how your health is going to be a month or a few months from now, it’s really important to protect yourself financially from potentially astronomical costs,” Fox urged.

For help signing up for health insurance, click the “We Can Help” tab at connectforhealthco.com. You will be asked to type in your ZIP code, and you’ll get a list of certified groups in your area that can help navigate what can be a complicated series of decisions.

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