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Health exchange sees sign-up gains

136,315 register during open enrollment
Michelle Decker, left, an employee of Connect For Health Colorado, the state’s health-care exchange, explains options and procedures to a walk-in client in March 2014. Officials announced enrollment gains in the first month of open enrollment for the upcoming year.

DENVER – Health-insurance exchange officials on Wednesday announced enrollment gains in the first month of open enrollment for the upcoming year.

Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s online insurance marketplace, reported that 136,315 Coloradans signed up for health coverage for 2015.

The enrollments are in Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or commercial health insurance purchased through the health-insurance marketplace.

The data was released by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“These initial sign-ups during this first month were consistent with our expectations and culminated with a single-day record of 12,600 enrollments on Dec. 15,” said Gary Drews, interim chief executive of Connect for Health Colorado. “It’s also important to remember that it’s not too late for people to purchase health insurance for 2015.”

Open enrollment continues until Feb. 15.

Dec. 15 was the deadline for individuals and families to select plans for coverage to begin on Jan. 1.

For those who started their applications by Dec. 15, Connect for Health Colorado will work to find coverage by Jan. 1.

Customers are also encouraged to make their first payment on time in order for enrollments to trigger.

Those who want their coverage to take effect by Feb. 1 have until Jan. 15 to sign up for commercial health insurance through the exchange.

Health plans that will be purchased between Jan. 16 and Feb. 15 will go into effect March 1.

Coloradans eligible for coverage through Medicaid and CHP+ have no deadlines and can apply year-round.

The initial four weeks of open enrollment saw a total of 108,077 enrollments in commercial coverage, including 18,893 new enrollments and 89,184 re-enrollments. Another 27,306 enrolled in Medicaid, and 932 in CHP+.

“Colorado has been recognized as one of the leading states in reducing the uninsured rate, and today’s enrollment numbers show how we continue to make progress getting all Coloradans covered,” said Susan Birch, executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “We are proud of the work our county and community partners are doing to help connect low-income Coloradans to coverage.”

pmarcus@durangoherald.com



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