Open enrollment period extended for people who lost coverage

Did you know? Colorado residents who have lost health insurance coverage, such as customers of the now-closed Colorado HealthOP, have until Feb. 29 to sign up for coverage.

The official health insurance open enrollment period ended Jan. 31. But former customers of Colorado HealthOp, a cooperative shut down by the Colorado Division of Insurance at the end of last year, have been given extra time to obtain coverage. The shutdown of Colorado HealthOp left about 80,000 people uninsured for 2016, and state officials say that a number of those who lost coverage still have yet to purchase replacement insurance.

In addition, some Colorado residents were informed at the end of last year that their plans do not meet minimum standards of coverage put in place by the federal government. Many people in that situation also have until Feb. 29 to buy alternative coverage as well. The extended deadline is designed to help people who have lost health insurance coverage through no fault of their own avoid penalties for not having health insurance coverage, which increased this year.

Questions about the extended open enrollment deadline? We’re here to help. Reach out to us anytime.