1. What’s New for Connect for Health Colorado: 2018
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Kevin O’Connor
Health Insurance Literacy Program Lead

2. Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is Shorter
This year the OEP is Nov. 1 to Jan. 12
Next year it will be Nov. 1 to Dec. 15
Most enrollments occur by Dec. 15 anyhow, so it will all work out
Special Enrollment Periods can occur any time

3. Rates are up, but Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) up, too
Rate filings show a 27 percent increase
Largely due to uncertainty about Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) payments
Will hurt those not eligible for APTC the most
APTC will increase for most people to compensate
May result in lower costs
People may qualify for CSR assistance

4. Carriers Cigna is out; their clients can shop until Feb. 28, 2018
Friday Health is apparently in
Anthem is still in

5. What has not changed
Individual mandate still applies and penalty still will be enforced
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) expansion remains in place
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) uncertain after January
Certified Assistors- including brokers- still available

6. Latest Developments
CHP+ Status: OK through January, likely but not certain to be re-approved
Executive orders: Association Health plans and short term coverage: may take several months to implement, will probably be challenged
CSR reimbursements ending causing 6% rate increase in Colorado (Plan B rates)
Association plans will be challenged

7. How CSR is supposed to work
Eligible client opts to select a silver level plan
Client pays regular premium (after tax credits) for that plan
Client’s deductible is reduced (e.g. from $3500 to $2800)
Federal government reimburses insurer (e.g. $700) if the client has expenses over the deductible

8. Results of ending CSR reimbursements
Insurers are required to offer CSR plans to eligible clients (cannot be changed by Executive Order)
Client still gets reduced deductible
Insurance company pays bills over the reduced deductible
Insurance company must raise rates to cover those costs. Connect for Health site will be down 10/25-10/31 to enter new rates

9. The bottom line Everyone should get or maintain insurance coverage
Legal requirement still applies
Costs will be steady for the APTC eligible clients
Those without premium assistance will be most affected by rate increases
CSR benefits will still be provided

10. Public Events
What’s new for 2018 and How To Prepare For Open Enrollment: Durango Library, Oct. 19 and 24 from 6 to 8 p.m., Silverton Town Hall November 2, 6 pm to 8 pm
Information and enrollment event: LPC Fairgrounds, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information and enrollment event: Archuleta County Human Services office, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enrollment opportunity, San Juan County Public Health office, 1315 Snowden St., Silverton, December 12.

11. Questions?