Choosing health insurance is always an important decision—and this year, it comes with extra challenges. Many Coloradans are wondering what will happen with the ongoing government shutdown and whether Congress will renew expanded premium tax credits. These credits, if extended, could reduce your monthly health insurance costs.

 

Don’t Wait to Enroll

 

Even with the uncertainty, it’s best not to delay your enrollment. Sign up for the plan that fits your needs and budget now.

Here’s why:

• Avoid last-minute backlogs. Waiting until the end of open enrollment can overwhelm brokers and cause delays.
• You won’t lose out on savings. If premium tax credits are renewed, savings will be applied automatically to your chosen plan—if your income qualifies—no matter when you enroll.
• You can still make changes. You’re allowed to switch plans any time before open enrollment ends.

In short: enroll early, then adjust later if needed.

 

Your Step-by-Step Open Enrollment Checklist

 

Step 1: Start at Connect for Health Colorado

 

Visit Connect for Health Colorado to compare health plans. If your household income is within a certain range, you may qualify for financial help that lowers your premiums. You can also work with a licensed health insurance broker—it’s free, and they can give you personal guidance that’s hard to find online.

 

Step 2: Look Beyond Monthly Premiums

 

Premiums matter, but the total cost of your care includes more than your monthly bill. Compare plans based on these factors:

• Benefits: Does the plan cover what your family uses most? For example, Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health Medical Plan include:
  • $0–low-cost primary care visits
  • $0–low-cost mental health visits (telehealth or in-person)
  • $0 preventive care visits
• Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: How much will you pay before insurance kicks in? What’s the most you could owe in a year?
• Provider Network: Are your doctors, specialists, and hospitals included? Out-of-network costs can add up quickly.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Advantages: If you choose a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you can save on taxes by using an HSA. In 2026, you can even use HSA funds to pay for Direct Primary Care. A broker can help you understand these options at no cost.

 

Step 3: Gather the Right Information

 

Before you apply, make sure you have:

• Social Security numbers for everyone enrolling
• Household income information
• Details about any other current or recent coverage (such as an employer plan or HSA)
• Having everything ready makes enrollment faster and easier.

 

Step 4: Consider Your Family’s Health Needs

 

Think about how your family uses healthcare:

• Do your children need regular checkups or medications?
• Does anyone see a specialist regularly?
• Are you expecting major medical expenses in 2026?

These answers will help you choose the plan that truly fits your needs.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Shop early, compare carefully, and ask for help if you need it. The right plan will give you confidence and peace of mind throughout the year—no matter how uncertain things feel right now.