The Challenge: Federal Aid is Changing
This Open Enrollment period brings significant premium increases for Coloradans buying individual health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. This is primarily due to the expiration of the Federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) on December 31, 2025.
While this loss of federal support causes premiums to rise, the critical news is that Colorado acted quickly to establish new, powerful financial assistance programs.
💡 New Financial Safety Net: Colorado Premium Assistance (CPA)
The Colorado Premium Assistance (CPA) is a new, state-funded program providing direct monthly premium discounts. It layers on top of any remaining federal subsidies, ensuring more Coloradans keep their coverage affordable.
| CPA Eligibility (Household Income) | CPA Monthly Discount |
| Households between 100% and 400% FPL | $80 for the first member |
| Households between 100% and 400% FPL | $29 for each additional member |
The Optimism: Colorado is investing substantial funds to make coverage affordable. The CPA is a powerful tool to offset premium spikes, securing essential financial relief for eligible households.
🌟 The Value of the Colorado Option
Look for the “Colorado Option” plans on the marketplace. These standardized plans are required to meet state cost-reduction targets and provide key $0-cost benefits.
- $0 Primary Care Visits: Encourages regular preventative health.
- $0 Mental Health/Behavioral Health Visits: Eliminates cost barriers to vital mental health support.
- Predictable Copays: Utilizes clear, set copays (dollar amounts) for common services, offering cost certainty before you meet your deductible.
The Optimism: While your monthly premium may change, the Colorado Option plans reduce your out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, providing essential stability when you need medical services.
✅ Action Plan: 3 Steps to Maximize 2026 Savings
You must re-shop and enroll this year to secure all available financial help. Do not rely on auto-renewal.
1. Update Your Financial Profile
Your savings are based on your projected 2026 income. Log into your Connect for Health Colorado account and accurately update your household size and income projection. This is the single most important action to calculate your maximum total subsidy (Federal + CPA).
2. Compare Final Prices
Start shopping on November 1, 2025. Focus on the final net premium (the price after the Federal and Colorado subsidies are applied). The best plan for you may have shifted due to the new CPA structure.
3. Get Free Expert Help
The subsidy changes are complex. You do not need to navigate them alone. Schedule a free consultation with a certified Health Coverage Guide or Broker through the Connect for Health Colorado website to ensure you enroll in the most cost-effective plan.
Open Enrollment is November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Enroll by December 15, 2025, for coverage starting on January 1st.
Colorado’s state-level solutions are in place to help you maintain coverage. Take these simple steps now to secure your lowest possible premium and best benefits for 2026.