DENVER, December 24, 2025 – Despite the expiration of significant federal subsidies that could double or even triple health insurance costs for some, enrollment in Colorado’s individual health insurance plans is only slightly behind last year’s pace.
Subsidies Expire, But Coloradans still Sign Up
Enrollment numbers remain surprisingly stable as a key deadline approaches.
- As of December 15,256,422 Coloradans had enrolled in 2026 plans through Connect for Health Colorado.
- That’s just 0.14% fewer than the 256,051 sign-ups by the same date last year.
- The end of enhanced federal subsidies was projected to cause more than 75,000 people to lose coverage.
- State and federal officials are watching closely to see if enrollment holds as premium bills come due.
Connect for Health Colorado reported Tuesday that 256,422 people had secured a 2026 plan through the exchange as of December 15. This represents an increase of 371 people-or 0.14%-compared to the 256,051 who had signed up by December 15 of last year. December 15 is a critical deadline, as it’s the last day to enroll in a plan that takes effect January 1.
“It’s encouraging to see customers enrolling, particularly as we certainly know this year hasn’t been easy,” said Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado, in a statement.
Patterson’s comment alludes to the lapse of enhanced federal subsidies designed to make coverage more affordable. Congress approved one-time funding during a special legislative session to bolster affordability programs,including a state subsidy that lowered premiums for some.
Will people actually pay their premiums, given the higher costs? That’s the key question now facing state officials.
The original Affordable Care Act subsidies remain available to those earning less than 400% of the federal poverty level-$62,600 for a single person or $128,600 for a family of four in 2026. The expiring enhanced subsidies benefited those with higher incomes, particularly in areas like Colorado’s resort communities where incomes are frequently enough above average but health insurance is exceptionally expensive.
Fawn Romero, a health insurance broker in Gunnison County, told The Sun last month that some clients were attempting to reduce their income to remain eligible for at least partial federal subsidies. One client, for example, planned to work fewer hours.
“I have some people who canceled,” Romero said. “I have a lot of people who are teetering, whether to cancel or not. They say they just can’t justify it.”
Conway noted that some individuals choosing to stay insured may be making sacrifices elsewhere, such as cutting back on groceries, to afford their premiums.
Patterson said approximately 65% of those shopping for insurance through the exchange this year will qualify for subsidies, compared to 80% last year.About 38% can find a plan with a monthly premium of $10 or less after subsidies, though deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses can exceed $10,000 even for the lowest-tier bronze plans. connect for Health offers expert assistance to help consumers find the right plan at no cost.
“No one should have to choose between paying for health insurance and putting food on the table or paying their mortgage,” Patterson said. “We expect we could continue to see impacts of the expiration of (the enhanced premiums) in the coming months.”
