Colorado Health insurance Market Faces Disruption: Nearly 100,000 ​May Need ⁢new⁢ Plans

Denver, Colorado – ‍August 20,​ 2025 ⁢-‍ A significant shift is unfolding‍ in Colorado’s health⁢ insurance landscape, potentially impacting ⁣nearly 100,000 residents who purchase coverage through the individual marketplace. Two ⁣major‌ insurance providers, Rocky​ Mountain⁣ HMO and Anthem‘s HMO ‍Colorado, ⁣have announced substantial reductions in their plan‍ offerings, prompting concerns about access and affordability.

Key Changes and Affected ‌Residents

Rocky Mountain HMO ​will discontinue 20 plans across seven counties in the denver metropolitan area, affecting approximately 26,000 individuals.Anthem’s⁤ HMO Colorado is ‍planning even more ​extensive cuts, dropping 62 plans and potentially impacting around 70,000 enrollees – representing roughly two-thirds of its individual market members in the state.

Did You Know?

colorado’s individual health insurance marketplace currently serves approximately 296,000 people, meaning these changes could affect roughly one in three enrollees.

The affected counties include Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, ​Denver, Douglas, Elbert, ‌and Jefferson. Anthem’s reductions ‍extend to Boulder, Clear Creek, el Paso, Gilpin, ⁢Larimer, Park, Mesa, Teller, and Weld counties as ‍well.

Company Statements and Mitigation Efforts

Emily Snooks, a spokesperson for Anthem, indicated the company’s initial filings reflected⁤ a broad range of potential plan withdrawals due to state deadlines. “we hope to withdraw this notification and offer plans ‍in as many regions as ​possible once the state rate review is complete,” Snooks stated. “Most importantly,​ Anthem will remain in any community where our departure would⁢ otherwise leave Coloradans without coverage options.” Representatives from‍ Rocky Mountain HMO have⁤ not yet ‌responded to requests for comment.

State officials assure residents that all affected counties will continue to ⁢have at least​ one insurance provider available in the individual market. Individuals whose plans‌ are discontinued will receive ‌a notice at⁣ least 90 days before the end of the year, providing time to explore alternative options.

Factors Contributing to the Market Shift

Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway attributes ‍the instability in the⁣ market to the expiration​ of increased‌ subsidies implemented ⁤during the pandemic. These subsidies, designed to make health ⁢insurance more affordable, played a crucial role in maintaining‌ participation and stabilizing⁤ premiums. The failure of congress to extend these subsidies has created​ a ripple ‌effect, leading insurers to reassess their ‌offerings. ⁤According to a study by the Kaiser ⁣Family Foundation, the loss⁤ of⁤ enhanced premium tax credits can substantially ⁣increase out-of-pocket costs for consumers [KFF].

The state legislature is considering potential funding to stabilize the market during an upcoming‌ special ‌session.However, a $783 million budget ⁢gap presents a ⁢significant challenge​ to allocating additional resources.

Projected Premium Increases

The Colorado Division of Insurance⁢ previously estimated that monthly premiums will rise ⁤by an average of ⁣28% in the ⁤coming year, driven by the reduction in subsidies and the ‌potential⁤ for healthier individuals‌ to opt out of coverage ​due to higher costs. Rocky Mountain HMO ​and Anthem projected even steeper ​increases of 36.4% and 33.6%,respectively.

Pro ⁤Tip:

Explore all available options, including cost-sharing reduction⁢ plans, if you qualify, ‍to ⁣mitigate premium increases.

Key​ Data Summary

In June, the state estimated that approximately 110,000 people could lose coverage if the enhanced ⁢subsidies expired and changes in H.R. 1, known as the Big Gorgeous Bill, created ⁤enrollment barriers. The Division of Insurance is actively working to stabilize the market, but Commissioner Conway warned that without immediate action, “hardworking people are going to receive devastatingly high rate increases and more than ​a hundred⁢ thousand people will lose coverage⁢ consequently.”

What steps will Colorado take to ensure affordable healthcare access for all residents? How will the state legislature address the budget constraints while prioritizing health insurance ⁢stability?

Disclaimer: This article provides general⁤ data and should not be considered medical or financial advice.⁢ Consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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