Colorado’s Western Slope faces a daunting health care affordability crisis as private insurance premiums for 2026 threaten to skyrocket.
Preliminary filings with the Colorado Division of Insurance show regional rate increases nearing 40%, for privately insured people on the Western Slope – far higher than recent years (5.6% in 2025, 9.7% in 2024,) and well above the statewide average of 28%.
These steep increases stem largely from federal actions that cut critical financial supports for low- and middle-income Coloradans. Most notably, the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits on Dec. 31. These are the subsidies many people depend on to make the Affordable Care Act premiums affordable. This is a deliberate result of congressional inaction to extend the law, therefore, eliminating these vital subsidies. According to the Colorado DOI, without these credits, insurers must raise rates to cover higher costs, and smaller, less competitive Western Slope markets will be hit the hardest.
At a recent presentation in Durango, State Rep. Katie Stewart warned that individuals who have relied on ePTC subsidies should prepare for a significantly greater increase in their monthly premium rates. She projected premium increases of about 178% in La Plata County, 216% in Archuleta and 181% in Montezuma as federal cost-sharing support is withdrawn. For families and individuals in rural and mountain communities like La Plata County, these spikes could mean impossible choices. Health care insurers further estimate that nearly 100,000 Coloradans may lose coverage next year as premiums become unaffordable – losses are expected to hit rural and mountain regions the hardest.
In addition to huge rate increases and subsidy cuts, policy changes in the Big Beautiful Bill Act further complicate coverage renewals. There are restrictions on automatic Medicaid and ACA marketplace renewals, shortened enrollment windows, increased number of eligibility checks and subsidy limits for lawfully present immigrants. Other factors contributing significantly to increased costs include tariffs on drugs and medical devices, and inflation.
This new law and additional rules all raise greater barriers to care. The administrative hurdles, specifically, have been shown to disrupt insurance coverage, pushing many toward being uninsured.
Colorado’s U.S. senators have called on Congress to extend premium tax credits and reverse Medicaid cuts, warning that letting supports expire sacrifices affordable care for working families to give tax breaks to the wealthy.
The premium surge also threatens our region’s fragile rural health care system. Local hospitals and clinics rely on insured patients for financial viability. This jeopardizes the very safety-net that our community relies upon.
Health insurance affordability is not just policy – it’s a deeply human issue. If you are concerned about soaring premiums, act now, before November enrollment starts. Call our Rep. Jeff Hurd, who voted “yes” on the BBBA, and demand he work to restore ePTC subsidies and prevent devastating spikes that push more District 3 residents off coverage.
Insist that our federal and state legislators protect families, seniors and workers from worsening health care costs. Let them know how this crisis affects your household, neighbors and local health care facilities. Tell them about your frustration with a system prioritizing insurance profits, ignoring inflated hospital executive pay and allowing pharmaceutical price gouging, over people’s health. Urge support for innovative and equitable solutions that make health care affordable for everyone and financially adequately supports health care providers, even in rural areas – not enrich big health care corporate monopolies.
Your voice is powerful. When enough constituents demand change, elected officials are forced to listen and act. Call today – and as often as possible. Be clear and loud: insist on policies that put people’s lives before corporate profits. It’s time to disrupt health care and build a system that works for everyone.
If you need help finding a plan that works with your budget during these dire times, contact Connect for Health Colorado which operates as the official state health insurance marketplace, providing access to private plans and federal premium assistance. Visit its website and ask for assistance. The Colorado affordability initiative, the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, provides payments and subsidies to carriers and eligible individuals.
Jan Phillips, a retired small-business owner and 35-year resident of Durango. After 45 years as a health educator, she is currently involved in advocating for health care reform.
