Colorado Open Enrollment 2027
Colorado Open Enrollment 2027: Your Guide and Free Expert Help
Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027.
This is the one time each year when anyone can buy individual or family health insurance, or switch plans, without a qualifying life event. Enroll by December 15 and your new plan starts January 1, 2027. Working with me costs you nothing: I'm paid by the insurance carriers, so your price is the same whether you enroll on your own or with my help — you just get a guide.
Key Dates
November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment opens and 2027 plans and prices are available to compare. December 15, 2026: enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027. January 15, 2027: final day of Open Enrollment — if you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1, 2027. After January 15, you generally can't get 2027 coverage unless you have a qualifying life event.
What's Changing for 2027 in Colorado
Premiums are expected to rise. Insurers requested an average individual-market increase of about 11% for 2027, with proposals ranging from roughly 5.9% to 15.5%. These are proposed rates under state review. If your plan simply auto-renews, you may pay more for the same coverage.
Carriers are changing. Colorado Access is joining the individual market for 2027, and Cigna is expected to stop offering individual coverage. If you have a plan that's going away, you'll need to choose a new one.
State premium help continues. Colorado Premium Assistance, which helped more than 176,000 Coloradans lower their premiums this year, continues for 2027, though the extra monthly amounts are expected to be somewhat lower.
Plans and networks change every year. Your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions may not be covered the same way in 2027, even with the same carrier.
Timing matters. December 15 is the deadline for January 1 coverage; January 15 is the final Open Enrollment deadline, with coverage starting February 1.
Who Should Take Action This Open Enrollment?
You buy your own insurance and want to make sure you're not overpaying for 2027. You're self-employed, a freelancer, or a 1099 contractor without employer coverage. Your income has changed, which can affect how much financial help you qualify for. You're currently uninsured and want coverage starting January 1. Your doctor or medication matters to you and you need to confirm they're covered next year. Or your household changed — marriage, a new baby, or a child aging off a plan.
Why Not Just Let My Plan Auto-Renew?
Auto-renewal is easy, but it keeps you in a plan that may have changed. Each year, premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and drug lists can all change. A quick review shows whether your current plan is still the best fit — or whether a different plan offers the same doctors for less.
How to Enroll, Step by Step
Read your renewal notice. Your current carrier will send your 2027 rate and any plan changes — note your new premium and whether your plan is being discontinued.
Gather your information: everyone in your household, your estimated 2027 income, your doctors, prescriptions, and preferred hospitals.
Compare plans side by side — premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, network, and drug coverage — not just the monthly price.
Check your financial help. If you qualify for premium tax credits, enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado is the only way to receive them.
Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1, or by January 15 for coverage starting February 1.
Pay your first premium on time. Your coverage doesn't take effect until the carrier receives your first payment.
Bronze, Silver, or Gold? Choosing a Metal Tier
Metal tiers describe how you and your plan split costs — not the quality of care. The right tier depends on how often you expect to use care and how much financial risk you're comfortable with.
Bronze: the lowest monthly premiums, with the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Often a fit if you're healthy and mainly want protection from big bills.
Silver: moderate premiums and costs. If your income qualifies for cost-sharing reductions, those extra savings on deductibles and copays are only available on Silver plans.
Gold: higher premiums, with lower deductibles and copays. Often worth it if you see doctors regularly, take ongoing medications, or expect a procedure.
Financial Help and Plan Options in Colorado
Many Coloradans pay far less than the full sticker price. During your review, I'll check which of these apply to you:
Federal premium tax credits, based on your household size and estimated income — available only when you enroll through Connect for Health Colorado.
Cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays on Silver plans for eligible incomes.
Colorado Premium Assistance, the state's additional help for eligible Connect for Health Colorado customers.
Colorado Option plans, standardized plans with set benefits that make it easier to compare coverage between carriers.
Losing Employer Coverage or on COBRA?
Losing job-based coverage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, so you don't have to wait for Open Enrollment — you generally have 60 days to enroll. If you're already on COBRA, Open Enrollment is a good time to compare: you can switch from COBRA to an individual plan during this window, and depending on your income, a plan with financial help may cost much less than COBRA.
How I Help During Open Enrollment — Always Free to You
A free review of your current plan and what it will cost in 2027. A side-by-side comparison of the marketplace and private options available to you, in plain English. Doctor and prescription checks before you enroll, so there are no surprises in January. A subsidy and premium-assistance check to see if you qualify for help lowering your monthly cost. Enrollment handled from start to finish, and support all year after. Most reviews take about 20–30 minutes.
Open Enrollment FAQ
When is Open Enrollment in Colorado for 2027?
November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; enrollments from December 16 through January 15 start February 1.
What if I miss the January 15 deadline?
You'll usually need a qualifying life event — such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby — to enroll before next Open Enrollment. These trigger a Special Enrollment Period, typically 60 days to sign up.
Does it cost more to use a broker instead of enrolling myself?
No. Plan prices are the same either way. Brokers are paid by the insurance companies, so my help is free to you.
Can I keep my doctor?
Often, yes — but networks change every year. I check whether your doctors and hospitals are in network before you enroll.
I'm self-employed. Can I deduct my health insurance premiums?
Many self-employed people can deduct premiums for themselves and their families. Talk with your tax professional about your specific situation.
Can you help me if I don't live in Colorado?
Yes. I'm licensed in 31 states and can help you understand your options wherever you are. Open Enrollment dates can differ by state.
What do I need for my review?
Your current plan details (if you have one), a list of your doctors and prescriptions, and an estimate of your 2027 household income.
Will my current plan renew automatically?
In most cases, yes — if you don't make a change, you'll typically be re-enrolled in the same plan, or a similar one if yours is discontinued. But your premium, network, and benefits may change, so it's worth reviewing before the deadline.
Do I need to update my income?
Yes, if you receive financial help. Tax credits are based on your estimated income for the year. If your actual income ends up higher, you may have to pay some of the credit back at tax time, so it's important to keep your estimate up to date.
When does my coverage actually start?
On January 1 if you enroll by December 15, or February 1 if you enroll between December 16 and January 15 — but only after you pay your first month's premium by the carrier's due date.
Don't wait until mid-December — the closer the deadline gets, the busier it gets. Last reviewed October 2026 by Heath Heimlich, licensed health insurance advisor. Dates and figures based on Connect for Health Colorado announcements; proposed rates may change when final rates are approved.