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Enrollment Periods for 2026Medicare 65+ 10/15-12/7 - Connect for Health

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Marketplace + off-Marketplace

Individual & Family Health Insurance in Colorado

Self-employed, between jobs, early retired, or buying coverage for your family? We'll help you compare Colorado plan options and enroll with confidence.
  • Local Colorado brokers (Broomfield office, statewide service)
  • Help with Marketplace (Connect for Health Colorado) and off-Marketplace plans
  • Side-by-side comparisons: doctors, prescriptions, networks, total cost
  • Enrollment guidance (Open Enrollment vs Special Enrollment)
  • Support after you enroll (questions, changes, renewals)

Start here

Choose what best describes your situation

Self-employed or 1099

Business owners and contractors who need flexible coverage.

Between jobs / lost coverage

Anyone who recently lost job-based coverage and may qualify for Special Enrollment.

Family coverage

Parents choosing coverage for a spouse and children.

Under 30 / low monthly premium

People who want worst-case protection and can handle a high deductible.

Your main options (simplified)

Colorado family reviewing individual health insurance choices

Option 1: Marketplace (Connect for Health Colorado)

Colorado's official health insurance Marketplace. It's the place to apply for financial help when eligible, compare metal tiers easily, and use Special Enrollment after a qualifying life event.

Option 2: Off-Marketplace (ACA-compliant) plans

Plans purchased directly from a carrier. Sometimes preferred for networks or plan designs, and useful when Marketplace financial help isn't a fit.

Colorado Option plans (what they are)

Colorado Option plans are standardized plan designs intended to make benefits and cost-sharing easier to compare.

  • Benefits and cost-sharing are standardized within each metal tier
  • You can compare options more easily across participating companies
  • Plan availability varies by county and year

Bronze vs Silver vs Gold: how to choose

Plain-English guide

  • Bronze: lower monthly premium, higher cost when you use care
  • Silver: balance of premium and cost-sharing (may matter for certain savings programs)
  • Gold: higher premium, lower cost when you use care

What we help you estimate

  • Total annual cost (premium + deductible + likely copays)
  • Best-fit network for your doctors
  • Prescription coverage at your preferred pharmacy

Enrollment timing: can I enroll right now?

Open Enrollment (Marketplace)

Open Enrollment usually runs from early November to mid-January. Dates shift slightly each plan year.

Special Enrollment

With a qualifying life event (losing coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby), you may be able to enroll outside Open Enrollment.

Health First Colorado (Medicaid)

Medicaid eligibility can be assessed year-round, and eligible applicants can enroll any time.

Special Enrollment: what qualifies?

Examples of qualifying life events

  • Loss of job-based coverage
  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth or adoption
  • Moving to a new county or state
  • Certain income changes that affect eligibility

What we do

  • Confirm whether you likely qualify for Special Enrollment
  • Help you gather the right documents
  • Compare plan options based on your needs

Self-employed coverage (1099 / small business owners)

Common goals

  • Keep monthly costs predictable
  • Maintain access to preferred doctors
  • Choose prescription coverage that fits your needs

What we compare

  • Marketplace vs off-Marketplace options
  • Network structure (HMO/PPO) and referrals
  • Total annual cost, not just monthly premium

Some self-employed clients also want guidance on how coverage fits their overall financial plan. We'll explain options clearly and recommend you confirm tax questions with a qualified tax professional.

Family coverage: choosing a plan that actually works

  • Household needs (primary care, specialists, expected usage)
  • Pediatric benefits and provider access (as applicable)
  • Prescription needs for the whole household
  • Total cost exposure (deductible + out-of-pocket max)

Catastrophic (CYA) plans: low premium, very high deductible

For individuals under 30, or those who qualify for certain exemptions.

  • Catastrophic plans can lower monthly premiums but may have very high out-of-pocket costs when you use care
  • Marketplace financial help typically cannot be applied to Catastrophic plans

What to have ready for your consult

  • Zip code and county
  • Doctors you want to keep
  • Prescriptions + dosages
  • Preferred pharmacies
  • Household size (who needs coverage)
  • A general estimate of household income (to check eligibility for programs)
  • Your timeline (need coverage now vs planning ahead)

How it works

  1. 1

    Quick consult

    We learn your needs, timeline, and priorities.
  2. 2

    Compare plans

    We check networks, prescriptions, and total cost tradeoffs.
  3. 3

    Enroll

    We help you complete enrollment and confirm what to expect next.
  4. 4

    Support after enrollment

    Questions, changes, renewals: we're here when you need help.

Related services and resources

Medicare

Turning 65 or Medicare-eligible.
Explore Medicare

Employer Group Benefits

If you own a business and want employee benefits.
Explore Employer Benefits

Helpful resources

Family health insurance plans in Colorado

How families compare Marketplace plans, networks, and costs in Colorado.
Read the guide

Health insurance for self-employed

Coverage options when you work for yourself or run a one-person business.
Read the guide

Catastrophic health insurance basics

Eligibility rules and what catastrophic coverage does and doesn't include.
Read the guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Marketplace and off-Marketplace plans?

Marketplace plans are purchased through Colorado's official exchange; off-Marketplace plans are purchased directly from a carrier. Both can be ACA-compliant, but eligibility for financial help and enrollment timing can differ.

Can you help me see if I qualify for Special Enrollment?

Yes. If you've had a qualifying life event (like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby), you may be able to enroll outside Open Enrollment.

What is the Colorado Option?

Colorado Option plans are standardized plan designs intended to make benefits and cost-sharing easier to compare within a metal tier.

I'm self-employed. What should I consider first?

Start with your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We'll compare options and explain tradeoffs clearly so you can choose confidently.

Book your Individual & Family consult

Get clear answers and a confident next step.

Important information

Information on this page is for general guidance and isn't medical, legal, or tax advice.

Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by county, carrier, and plan year. Enrollment rules and program eligibility can change. We'll confirm details during your consult.