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# Colorado Health Insurance Brokers

Guaranteed Best Prices on Colorado's Most Popular Health Insurance Plans*

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## Posts

- [Level-Funded vs. Fully Insured for a 15-Person Company: The Honest Trade-Offs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/level-funded-vs-fully-insured/) - June 11th, 2026. If you own a small business in Colorado, your group health renewal sometimes arrives with a number that makes you wince. For 2026, Colorado carriers requested average small-group premium increases of about 13.6%. So the question we hear most often this time of year is fair: "Is there a better way to
- [Individual Marketplace Update: A New Carrier Is Coming to Colorado in 2027](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/individual-marketplace-update-a-new-carrier-is-coming-to-colorado-in-2027/) - June 5, 2026 - Colorado's individual health insurance market is about to get a "new" player, but it's one with a long history in the state. The Colorado Division of Insurance announced that Colorado Access will enter Colorado's individual marketplace for the 2027 Plan Year. Their new product line is called Colorado Access Choice. Colorado
- [Cigna Exiting Individual Health Insurance Market in 2027: What It Means](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cigna-exiting-colorado-individual-health-insurance-market-2027/) - May 1st, 2026 - Cigna announced yesterday that it will exit the Individual and Family (ACA) health insurance market nationally starting in 2027. While this will not affect current Cigna Connect coverage in Colorado in 2026, it will impact many individuals and families when they shop for coverage during open enrollment later this year. Cigna
- [The AI Therapist Will See You Now](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/the-ai-therapist-will-see-you-now/) - April 17th, 2026 - If one good thing came out of the pandemic it was the destigmatization of seeking mental health care. The ACA helped dramatically improve health insurance coverage for therapy, but the challenge for many is finding quality care that is in their plan's network. Some people have turned to AI for help.
- [COBRA Loopholes and Traps](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra-loopholes-traps/) - After a separation of employment, your former employer is supposed to send you your COBRA notice within 10 days. If you don't get that by then, reach out to HR and gently remind them of this obligation. As per the COBRA letter, you should have up to 60 days to elect the COBRA and
- [Americans Still Value Employer Health Coverage — And the Data Proves It](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/employer-health-insurance-value-survey/) - March 6th, 2026 - For decades, employer-sponsored health insurance has been the cornerstone of the American health care system. While the headlines often focus on rising costs, regulatory changes, and political debates about the future of health care, new research shows something important that often gets overlooked - Most American workers actually value the coverage
- [The “Great Healthcare Plan”: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and What Happens Next](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/the-great-healthcare-plan-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-and-what-happens-next/) - January 17th, 2026 - This week, the White House released The Great Healthcare Plan. It’s a brief outline of nine policy ideas grouped into four themes and it arrives at an interesting moment, as Congress is simultaneously advancing a healthcare-related bill that has already drawn the possibility of a presidential veto. The document itself is
- [Year-End Health Insurance Decisions: What We Know (and Don’t Know) About ACA Tax Credits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/year-end-health-insurance-decisions-what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-aca-tax-credits/) - December 19th, 2025 - As we approach the year end, Colorado individuals, families, and business owners are feeling a familiar mix of pressure and uncertainty when it comes to health insurance decisions. However, this year that uncertainty is amplified by one big question: What’s going to happen with ACA Premium Tax Credits? If you’ve been
- [Federal Budget Action & Impact on ACA Subsidies & Medicare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/federal-budget-action-updates-impacts-on-aca-subsidies-medicare/) - November 17th, 2025 - The recent federal shutdown that finally ended drew lots of attention because of the impact on health care subsidies that help millions of Americans—including many Coloradans—afford coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. Here’s our non-political take on what happened, what’s being discussed, and what it could mean for Colorado
- [HSA's More Important Than Ever In 2026](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/hsas-more-important-than-ever-in-2026/) - October 31st, 2025 - The 2026 rate increases for individuals who buy their own health insurance are pretty rough—no doubt about it. While there is still a chance of rates going down, potentially by nearly 20% in some areas if Congress extends the enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs), that is far from guaranteed to happen.
- [Will Copper Be The New Black in 2026?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/is-copper-the-new-black-for-2026/) - September 9th, 2025 – Coloradans who buy their own health insurance plans are most familiar with Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans, but in 2026 many people will have access to a new plan color: Copper. With little media fanfare, on September 4th CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) announced announced that Copper plans will
- [Medicare Advantage - To Whose Advantage?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicare-advantage-to-whose-advantage/) - August 14th, 2025 - Seniors in Colorado are bombarded with television ads, glossy mailers, and phone calls all promising a better deal on their Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan. They highlight dental, vision, and hearing care, gym memberships, cash cards, and other perks that sound terrific at first glance. The marketing paints a
- [Big Beautiful Bill's Impact On Colorado Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/big-beautiful-bills-impact-on-colorado-health-insurance/) - July 10th, 2025 - On July 4th, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. The new law cuts $1 trillion in healthcare spending over the next 10 years. The new law makes substantial cuts to Medicaid, adding new eligibility requirements and shifts responsibility for many costs from federal to state
- [Pact Simplifies Prior Authorization Process](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/pact-simplifies-prior-authorization-process/) - June 24th, 2025 - Insurers across the country announced a pact to reform the process for Prior Authorizations, to make it faster and easier for healthcare consumers to get the care they need. Because every insurer had a different process, it created quite an administrative burden on providers, in addition to the frustration it can
- [Understanding the Impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill"  on Health Insurance: What Coloradans Need to Know](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/understanding-the-impact-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-on-health-insurance-what-coloradans-need-to-know/) - May 30th, 2025 - The recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1) introduces significant changes to the U.S. healthcare landscape. While the bill is far reaching, its implications for employer-sponsored health insurance, individual health insurance and Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits are significant. Colorado residents will want to understand how the bill's
- [Tips for College Grads](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tips-college-grads/) - May 29th, 2025 - This time of year many of Colorado's college students will be graduating and coming off of their college or university's health insurance programs. With a tight job market it pays to consider near term health insurance options, as getting onto an employer's health insurance plan right away is far from a
- [Why Small Businesses Should Offer Long Term Care Benefits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/why-small-businesses-should-consider-offering-long-term-care-benefits/) - April 18th, 2025 - In the ever changing world of employee benefits, Long Term Care (LTC) coverage is emerging as a smart, strategic move—especially for Colorado small businesses looking to attract and retain top talent. While LTC insurance has traditionally been seen as a niche offering, recent innovations in plan design and underwriting have made
- [Workplace Trends for 2025: Employers Must Adapt to Changing Employee Expectations](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/workplace-trends-for-2025-employers-must-adapt-to-changing-employee-expectations/) - March 3rd, 2025 - A recent report from Workplace Intelligence, Workplace Trends for 2025, highlights major shifts that business leaders should prepare for in the coming year. From expanded employee benefits to evolving hybrid work models, companies that fail to adapt may struggle with retention and compliance challenges. Employee Benefits: What’s Now Considered “Core” Traditionally
- [Mixed Signals for 2025 Macroeconomic Forecasts](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/mixed-signals-for-2025-macroeconomic-forecasts/) - February 27th, 2025 - In today’s uncertain times with tariffs, concerns about inflation and interest rates, it’s increasingly difficult to predict what’s going to happen in any sector of the economy. Experian held a seminar today about Macroeconomic Forecasting and Credit Trends that brought up some interesting points for the economy as a whole and
- [Hospital & Prescriptions Consume 2/3rds of Your Health Care Dollar](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/hospital-prescriptions-consume-2-3rds-of-your-health-care-dollar/) - December 19th, 2024 - From hospital care to insurance administration, every dollar spent plays a part in maintaining and improving Colorado’s healthcare infrastructure. Breakdown of healthcare dollars' allocation: Hospitals consume the highest percentage of every healthcare dollar (40.7%, in total) and it's expenses are broken into 3 major categories: Outpatient Hospital Costs (19.9%): These are
- [2025 Open Enrollment for Individuals is Back](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2025-open-enrollment-for-individuals-is-back/) - November 1st, 2025 - Open enrollment for individual and family plans in Colorado begins today and remains open until January 15, 2025. Individual plans will rise an average of 5.6% across Colorado, whereas small group plans will rise an average of 7.1%. Increases in premiums are partly due to rising costs for healthcare and prescription
- [October 15th Model Notice Deadline for Employers & Impact on Employees 65+](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/october-15th-model-notice-deadline-for-employers-impact-on-employees-65/) - October 3rd, 2024 - Each year employers who offer health insurance benefits to employees are required to file notices of creditable coverage both with CMS and with employees by October 15th and again mid-year, if the plans are no longer creditable coverage for Medicare Part D. While companies are not required to offer creditable coverage
- [Employers & Requirements For Employees Turning 65](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/employers-requirements-for-employees-turning-65/) - September 5th, 2024 - With over 11,000 Americans turning 65 every day, employers are often asked questions about Medicare that can have massive consequences for both the employer and the employee. The guidance couldn't be more different, depending on the size of the company and if they have 20 or more full and/or part time
- [Health Insurance Cost Trends for Employers and Employees](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-increase-trends-for-employers-and-employees/) - August 14th, 2024 – A recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that premiums for employer sponsored health insurance trended with the general rate of inflation. Over the last 5 years, general inflation increased 21%, wages increased 27% and employer health insurance premiums increased an average of 22%. Most employees contribute a share of
- [How The "No Surprises" Act Helps Employees](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/how-the-no-surprises-act-helps-employees/) - July 3rd, 2024 - While most people enjoy a good surprise, getting a surprise bill is never a good thing. The federal No Surprises Act gives employees and individuals with health insurance in Colorado a number of protections against surprise medical bills. Surprise medical bills sometimes come about when a person received out of network
- [PBM Profits Impact Colorado Employers & Employees](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/pbm-practices-impact-employers-employees/) - June 21st, 2024 - Pharmacy Benefits Managers, better known as PBM's, are a little understood middleman that impact the cost of employers' health insurance and how employees receive their prescription medications. PBM's process about 80% of all prescriptions in America. There are 3 very powerful PBM's that work with the majority of employer and individual
- [CommonSpirit and Anthem Dispute Resolved](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/commonspirit-and-anthem-dispute-not-yet-resolved/) - Updated May 20th, 2024 - It's not unusual for insurance companies and hospitals to be at odds over the amounts paid and accepted for payment, especially in light of inflation's impact on healthcare. Most of the time the disputes are sorted out and that is the case with the latest dispute between CommonSpirit Health and
- [Kaiser, Blue Cross Blue Shield & UnitedHealthcare Rated Tops for Employer Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/kaiser-blue-cross-blue-shield-unitedhealthcare-rated-tops-for-employer-health-insurance/) - May 17th, 2024 - Forbes evaluated Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant health insurance companies across America for small business owners and three insurance companies stood out: Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare. Forbes measured 84 data points looking at everything from complaints filed with the Division of Insurance, to depth of plan offerings,
- [How Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Works](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/how-family-and-medical-leave-insurance-famli-works/) - March 14, 2024 - This year the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program's benefits became available to employees across Colorado. Employees, freelance workers and even the self employed are eligible for up to twelve weeks of paid leave per year to bond with a new child (including adopted and fostered children), care for themselves
- [No Surprises Act Delivers On Promises](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/no-surprises-act-delivers-on-promises/) - February 20th, 2024 - The No Surprises Act was designed to shield consumers who have their insurance through work or individually from unexpected out of network claims for sudden illness and injury. Most often this involves being billed for emergency services received from a provider who is out of network. However, it can also include
- [New Regulations Give More Flexibility To Some Parents Of 26 Year Olds & Pregnant Coloradans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/new-regulations-impact-insurers-parents-of-26-year-olds-pregnant-coloradans/) - January 17th, 2024 - A little known regulatory change in 2023 will have a big impact on many young Coloradans and pregnant women in 2024. Beginning January 1st, insurance policies sourced through Connect for Health Colorado are required to keep dependents who turn 26 on their parent’s health insurance plans until the end of the
- [Open Enrollment for 2024 Individual Plans Begins Across Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-for-2024-individual-plans-begins-across-colorado/) - November 1st, 2023 – Open enrollment for individual and family plans in Colorado reopens today and continues through January 15th, 2024. For most people, December 15th is the enrollment deadline to get a January 1st start date on a new personal health insurance plan. People who enroll between December 16th and January 15th can still
- [State of HR - 2023 Business Report](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/state-of-hr-2023-business-report/) - October 17th, 2023 - Each year Mineral, Inc produces a report about the state of human resources for small businesses across the country. Their new report shows that 76% of business leaders are at least somewhat optimistic about the future, but many have conflicting goals. Most businesses expect to hire more staff in 2024 and
- [Friday Health Gone, But It's Not Too Late For Those Still Uncovered](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/friday-health-gone-but-its-not-too-late-for-those-still-uncovered/) - September 15th, 2023 - Friday Health stopped covering new health insurance claims on September 1st, but some reports estimate that as many as 5000 people in Colorado are still uninsured. If you are one of those 5000 uninsured people in Colorado, the good news is that you can still get new health insurance. August 31st
- [August 31 Deadline Looms Large for Friday Health Plan Members](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/august-31-deadline-looms-large-for-friday-health-plan-members/) - August 1st, 2023 - The news that some 30,000 Coloradan’s will lose their health insurance coverage on September 1st has sent shockwaves across Colorado. Friday Health Plans will be ceasing operations in Colorado ahead of schedule with the last claims to be covered as of August 31st. Friday Health acquired San Luis Valley based Colorado
- [42% of Coloradans Lose Coverage After Medicaid Redeterminations](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/42-of-coloradans-lose-coverage-after-medicaid-redeterminations/) - July 7th, 2023 - The Denver Post reported that of the 120,000 Coloradans whose Medicaid eligibility was redetermined in May, 42% are no longer eligible for Medicaid (Health First Colorado). Most will either need to get coverage through an employer or get individual coverage. 325,000 people in Colorado are expected to lose coverage through 2023,
- [5 Ways HR Compliance Protects Employees & Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/5-ways-hr-compliance-protects-employees-businesses/) - June 5th, 2023 - In today's fast changing business landscape, companies have to navigate a complex web of regulations and laws. Of those, compliance with Human Resource regulations is one of the most critical. Here are 5 ways compliance with HR regulations benefits employees and businesses. Protecting Employee Rights Compliance with HR regulations establishes a
- [Making Your Company A Talent Magnet](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/make-your-company-a-talent-magnet/) - May 11th, 2023 – It comes as no surprise to Colorado business leaders that recruiting quality employees is one of the biggest challenges they face. The triple threat of baby boomers retiring, declining birth rates and an expanding economy guarantee these challenges will only increase over time. In the past, employers tried to recruit employees
- [Outreach By Colorado Businesses Needed To Help Employees Impacted By Medicaid Loss](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/outreach-by-businesses-needed-to-help-employees-impacted-by-medicaid-loss/) - April 6th, 2023 - Starting this June, 26,000 Coloradans are expected to lose Medicaid or CHP+ each month, over the next 12 months. At a round table discussion earlier this week, the consensus opinion was that it will take a massive community outreach effort, including business leaders and insurance brokers to ensure the success of
- [SelectHealth: SCL & UC Health Combined](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/selecthealth-scl-uc-health-combined/) - March 3rd, 2023 - SelectHealth, a not-for-profit health insurance company based in Utah, has announced its proposed expansion Colorado, targeting the Individual and Medicare Advantage markets in 2024, pending Colorado Division of Insurance approval. SelectHealth is expected to launch in around 16 to 18 counties in Colorado's Front Range, roughly mirroring UCHealth’s and Intermountain’s health
- [End of COVID Emergency Means Big Changes for 315,000 Coloradans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/end-of-covid-emergency-means-big-changes-for-315000-coloradans/) - February 6th, 2023 - Last week President Biden declared that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will come to an end on May 11th, 2023. Congress was already balking at continuing to fund free federal sponsorship of COVID-19 vaccines and testing. Then president Donald Trump, declared the Public Health Emergency on March 13th, 2020 and it
- [Open Enrollment Ends January 15th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-ends-january-15th/) - January 6th, 2023 - Open enrollment for individual and family plans began on November 1st and will end on Sunday, January 15th, 2023. After that a Special Enrollment Period will be required. For most people open enrollment is the only time that they can buy or change health insurance plans. Open enrollment rules hold true
- [Open Enrollment For Individual/Family Plans Continues for 2023](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-for-individual-family-plans-continues-for-2023/) - December 15th, 2022 - December 15th was the enrollment deadline for most individuals to get a January 1st start date on a new personal health insurance plan. However, if you are one of the thousands of people who were insured by Bright Health, Oscar or who have an Anthem BC/BS grandfathered plan ending (involuntarily) December
- ["Family Glitch" Fixed In Time For 2023 Open Enrollment](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/family-glitch-fixed-in-time-for-2023-open-enrollment/) - October 25th, 2022 - Thanks to a new federal rule, the “Family Glitch” issue that plagued the Affordable Care Act since 2014 is finally fixed. The family glitch was a situation where tax credits were based upon affordability of employee-only premiums. However, while employers are often generous with how much they pay for employee premiums,
- [Bright Health Exits Colorado in 2023](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/bright-health-exits-colorado-in-2023/) - October 13th, 2022 -Yesterday, Bright Healthcare announced it is pulling out of Colorado at the end of this year. As a result, 54,000 Coloradans will have to get new coverage starting January 1st. Bright Health served clients in the Front Range and also in eight mountain counties, via the PEAK Health Alliance. Because of the
- [Inflation Reduction Act & Colorado Health Insurance - Who Benefits And When](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/inflation-reduction-act-colorado-health-insurance-who-benefits-and-when/) - August 24th, 2022 - On August 16th, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. As far as healthcare and health insurance are concerned, there are two groups of people who will benefit most. Individuals in Colorado whose income qualifies them for federal tax credits on health insurance sourced through Connect for Health Colorado:
- [Individual Health Insurance Premiums Going Up in 2023](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/individual-health-insurance-premiums-going-up-in-2023/) - July 28th, 2022 - This week the Colorado Division of Insurance released preliminary rate filings from individual health insurance market carriers for 2023. In this period of inflation, few will be surprised that health insurance premiums are going up next year. The requested rate increase in the individual health insurance market will average 11.3% more
- [Lower Cost "Colorado Option" Small Business & Individual Plans Coming in 2023](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/lower-cost-colorado-option-plans-for-small-business-individuals-in-2023/) - July 11th, 2022 - The federal government gave the green light to Colorado’s new “Colorado Option” which is to roll out on January 1st, 2023. The Colorado Option requires standardized plans offered by both small group and individual health insurance companies. Standardized plans help consumers make “apples to apples’ comparisons between different carriers, since
- [Health Insurance Premium Reductions Set To Expire At Year's End](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-premium-reductions-set-to-expire-at-years-end/) - June 21st, 2022 - One of the few positives from the pandemic was the financial relief that many individuals and families across Colorado received from the federal government. The program slashed health insurance premiums for thousands of Coloradans, often by more than half. However, unless Congress takes action, the boosted tax credits that reduced health
- [Public Health Emergency's End Also Means End to Health First Colorado's Benefits Extension](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/public-health-emergencys-end-also-means-end-to-health-first-colorados-benefits-extension/) - May 12th, 2022 - Currently, the federal Public Health Emergency declared because of COVID is scheduled to end in mid-July, although the federal government must give 60 days written notice beforehand and has not done so yet. With rising COVID rates, it seems likely there could be another delay in ending the Public Health Emergency.
- [The Great Resignation Isn't Slowing Down](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/the-great-resignation-isnt-slowing-down/) - April 4th, 2022 - You may have heard about the Great Resignation. In 2021, some 47 million Americans left their jobs. CNN reported that another 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs in February, so clearly that trend continues at full steam in 2022. Their reasons for leaving were cited in a study by Pew Research
- [Special Enrollment Loopholes for Individuals and  Families](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/special-enrollment-loopholes-for-individuals-and-families/) - March 16th, 2022 - Today marks the end of Colorado's emergency Special Enrollment Period for people impacted by Colorado wildfires or the COVID-19 pandemic. While Open Enrollment for next year will not re-open until November 1st, that doesn't necessarily mean that individuals will be unable to get health insurance until then. In addition to normal
- [Open Enrollment Re-Opened For Many Coloradans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-re-opened-for-many-coloradans/) - February 1st, 2022 - On January 15th open enrollment for individual and family health insurance briefly closed, but was quickly reopened through March 16th and beyond, depending on your personal circumstances. Coloradans can open enroll (without proof of qualification) through March 16th for anyone impacted by Colorado wildfires or "impacted" by the COVID-19 pandemic. Connect
- [How To Get Free Rapid COVID Tests](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/how-to-get-free-rapid-covid-tests/) - January 18th, 2022 - With the surge in Omnicron cases, COVID testing is become part of daily life for many people across Colorado. As of today, you can order 4 free rapid COVID tests per household, by visiting www.covidtests.gov. I just ordered some for my household and it took 2 minutes. No credit card is
- [No Surprises Act's Consumer Protections Begin January 1st](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/no-surprises-acts-consumer-protections-begin-january-1st/) - December 30th, 2021 - On January 1st, the federal governments new "No Surprises Act" consumer protection law begins to take effect. The No Surprises Act helps to protect insured people from unexpected charges for claims from out of network providers that they did not choose. Consumers should only be responsible for the in-network cost sharing
- [2022 Open Enrollment Not The Same As It Ever Was](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2022-open-enrollment-not-the-same-as-it-ever-was/) - November 1st, 2021 - Open enrollment season for individual/family health insurance began today and continues to January 15th, 2022. While the open enrollment ritual seems familiar, things are different this season. The pandemic lead to the passage of the American Rescue Plan law last March and the law has a lasting impact on individual and
- [2022 Colorado Health Insurance Premiums Go Up 1.1% for Individuals and 4.4% for Small Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2022-colorado-health-insurance-premiums-go-up-1-1-for-individuals-and-4-4-for-small-businesses/) - October 21st, 2021 - The Colorado Division of Insurance announced a 1.1% average increase in premiums for individual and family health insurance plans across the state of Colorado. Colorado's Small Group market will see an average increase of 4.4% in their monthly premiums. Small group plans are employer sponsored health insurance plans for companies with
- [Colorado's Pandemic Special Enrollment Period Ends August 15th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-pandemic-special-enrollment-period-ends-august-15th/) - August 10th, 2021 - Coloradan's who need to get new personal health insurance or who wish to change plans have only until Sunday, August 15th to do so. August 15th mark's the end of Colorado's Special Enrollment Period, which was extended by the federal American Rescue Plan law. Through August 15th, individuals and families in
- [Preview Of Colorado's 2022 Rates For Individual And Small Business Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/preview-of-2022-rates-for-individual-small-business-plans/) - July 28th, 2021 - This week the Colorado Division of Insurance announced rates for 2022 individual and small business health insurance plans. Overall, it was pretty good news, especially considering the pandemic and how that impacted Colorado's health care system. While the new rates are not official yet, the average rate increase on individual health
- ["Colorado Option" Approved by Senate](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-option-approved-by-senate/) - June 4th, 2021 - In a largely partisan 19-16 vote, Colorado's Senate passed the "Colorado Option" last week. The Bill has the potential to effect individuals and families who buy their own insurance, as well as Colorado small businesses. The new law is a hybrid private/public option in which insurance companies would be required to
- [House Bill 1232 Changes Amidst Opposition](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/house-bill-1232-changes-amidst-opposition/) - May 6th, 2021 - After some major changes, House Bill 1232, the Colorado Option Health Benefit Plan Act, is moving ahead with revised version of the bill. The changed bill gives hospitals, doctors and health insurance companies two years to reduce insurance premiums by 10% a year (20% total) in both the individual and small
- [$1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan Reduces Health Insurance Premiums for Many Coloradans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/1-9-trillion-covid-relief-bill-reduces-health-insurance-premiums-for-many-coloradans/) - Updated March 12, 2021 - In the largest change to the Affordable Care Act since it became law in 2010, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expands subsidies for those who get their health insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace, both in the size of tax credits and by making subsidies available
- [New Emergency Enrollment Period Helps Uninsured Coloradans Get Health Insurance Again](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/new-emergency-enrollment-period-colorado/) - February 8th, 2021 - Effective today, the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace and Colorado's individual health insurance carriers opened an emergency Uninsured Enrollment Period for uninsured Coloradans that is to end May 15th. The Uninsured Enrollment Period in Colorado was spawned by President Biden’s Executive Order requiring the reopening of federal marketplace due to the
- [COVID-19 Vaccines Expanded Rollout In Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/covid-vaccine-colorado/) - January 13th, 2021 - Last week, access to the COVID-19 vaccines in Colorado was expanded to individuals age 70 and older. Yesterday, the Trump administration suggested states offer vaccines to anyone age 65 and older. This lines up with President-Elect Biden's proposed plans, so the vaccine expansion is likely to stand. You can see a
- [Insurance Coverage for COVID Vaccines & When You Can Get Them](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-cover-covid-vaccine/) - December 2nd, 2020 - Now that we have FDA approved vaccines for COVID-19, many people are curious about when they can get them and how their health insurance may cover them. The federal government has purchased millions of doses of different COVID-19 vaccines, which are to be distributed for free through providers who will administer
- [Welcome to 2021 Open Enrollment!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/welcome-to-2021-open-enrollment/) - November 1st, 2020 - Open enrollment for 2021 re-opened on November 1st and closes in Colorado on January 15th. Any plan changes or new enrollments should be completed by December 15th to ensure a January 1st, 2021 start date. Enrollments from December 16th through January 15th will have a February 1st, 2021 start date. Next
- [Pandemic Moves Telehealth Into The Spotlight](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/telehealth-moves-into-spotlight/) - October 28th, 2020 - Telehealth services are having a moment right now, thanks to 2020. Telehealth services have been around for many years though not all health insurers offered telehealth to clients. The pandemic changed that all and perhaps forever. With COVID-19 giving many people second thoughts about going to the doctor's office, fearing risk
- [DOI Announces Colorado's Health Insurance Rates for 2021](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/doi-announces-colorados-health-insurance-rates-for-2021/) - October 8th, 2020 - Today the Colorado Division of Insurance announced the new rates for Colorado's Small Group and Individual markets. In the Small Group market the average increase is a modest 3.8% over the 2020 premiums. Overall premiums for individual health insurance in Colorado will go down an average of 1.4%, as compared to
- [Start Up Aims to Disrupt Small Business Health Insurance Industry](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/start-up-aims-to-disrupt-small-business-health-insurance-industry/) - September 11, 2020 - Decent is an Austin based health insurance company that just secured $10 million in Series A funding to help fuel the company's growth. Decent previously secured $8 million in initial funding. Decent has a new spin on a well established insurance product: Self-funded health insurance. Using self-funding, Decent is able to
- [Health Insurance Costs Remain #1 Concern for Small Business Owners](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/study-says-health-insurance-costs-1-concern-for-small-business-owners/) - September 8th, 2020 - A new study by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows that health insurance costs are the number one concern for the small business owners surveyed in NFIB's most recent Small Business Problems & Priorities study. The study stated that the "cost of health insurance" has been the number one
- [New Individual Health Insurance Plan Options for 2021 for Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/new-individual-plan-options-for-2021-for-denver-boulder-colorado-springs/) - September 4th, 2020 - United Healthcare and Rocky Mountain Health Plans are announcing their new "Colorado Doctors Plan" options for the upcoming 2021 open enrollment season. The Colorado Doctors Plan Network offers coordinated care from a network of primary care providers from leading physician groups, including Colorado Health Neighborhoods and New West Physicians. United Healthcare
- [Colorado's Health Insurance Rates to Increase Modestly in 2021](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-health-insurance-rates-to-increase-modestly-in-2021/) - August 1st, 2020 - The Colorado Division of Insurance announced preliminary rate increases for Colorado's small business and individual health insurance market for 2021. Colorado's small group market for employers is looking at an average proposed increase of 5.7% for 2021. Aetna and Humana have the largest increases (both as high as 15.2%), whereas Anthem,
- [New Bill Funds Colorado's Reinsurance Program Which Helps Reduce Health Insurance Premiums](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/new-bill-colorado-reinsurance-program/) - July 2nd, 2020 - Colorado's Congress and Senate completed work on Senate Bill 215 with provides important financial support for Colorado’s reinsurance program to help keep health insurance affordable for Coloradans who buy their own health insurance. Colorado's reinsurance plan reduced premiums by an average of 20% when it was introduced last year. The bill
- [Friday Health Plans Receives Additional Funding To Expand Coverage for Rural Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/friday-health-receives-funding-to-expand-coverage-for-rural-colorado/) - June 3rd, 2020 - Friday Health Plans is a Denver health insurance carrier with long standing roots in rural Colorado. Today, Friday Health Plans announced receiving an investment to be used for expansion of affordable health insurance in rural Colorado and job creation. Colorado Impact Fund made an investment in Friday Health Plans as part
- [Emergency SEP Ended, But Help Is Still Available](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/emergency-sep-ended-help-still-available/) - May 8th, 2020 - Colorado's emergency Special Enrollment Period for the cornavirus pandemic ended on April 30th, but Coloradan's continue to be impacted by the economic fallout from the pandemic. If you lost your job and your employer sponsored health insurance you may be eligible for free or reduced cost health insurance. However, the timing
- [Forgivable Loans Aid Colorado Small Businesses & Employees](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/forgivable-loans-aid-colorado-small-businesses-employees/) - April 7th, 2020 - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides forgivable loans available to many Colorado businesses with fewer than 500 employees, including the self-employed, sole proprietors and independent contractors and many non-profits. Loans up to $200,000 are available without a personal guarantee and no collateral is required for loans of
- [Emergency Special Enrollment Period Extended to End of April](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/emergency-special-enrollment-period-extended-to-end-of-april/) - April 2nd, 2020 - In response to the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado's Division of Insurance extended its emergency Special Enrollment Period through April 30th. Enrollments by uninsured Coloradans completed by April 3rd will still be eligible for new coverage that begins April 1st. Under the newly revised rules, enrollments by uninsured Coloradans completed from April
- [Emergency Special Enrollment Period Runs From March 20th to April 3rd](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/emergency-special-enrollment-period-march-20th-to-april-3rd/) - March 20th 2020 - In response to the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the Colorado Division of Insurance announced a new Special Enrollment Period for uninsured Coloradans. The Special Enrollment Period begins today and ends April 3rd, all for individual and family health insurance plans with an April 1st start date. This unprecedented emergency Special Enrollment
- [How Health Insurance Covers The Coronavirus (COVID-19), What To Watch For And How To Respond](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/how-health-insurance-covers-the-coronavirus-covid-19/) - Updated March 13th, 2020 - The CDC reported that illnesses from the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) range from mild symptoms for 80% of the population to severe illness for 10% of the population and death in 2 to 3.4% of confirmed cases. News reports say the people at the greatest risk for serious illness and loss
- [Colorado's Public Option: Brilliant Idea or Risky Experiment?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/public-option-brilliant-idea-risky-experiment/) - March 4th, 2020 - Democratic majorities in Colorado's state House and Senate give state lawmakers the power to make Colorado a test subject for the nation. Democratic Governor Jared Polis has successfully introduced health reform in several areas, but it is the Colorado's proposed "public option" that is currently gathering attention at the national level.
- [New Mental Health Bill Advances in Colorado's House](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-mental-health-bill-advances/) - February 7th, 2020 - Colorado's House Bill 1086 will require Colorado state regulated health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health check up in the same way they do a primary care exam. Currently, preventative care visits to a primary care doctor can include screening for depression and anxiety, but those services are not
- [Colorado's Open Enrollment Closes after January 15](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-open-enrollment-closes-after-january-15/) - January 7th, 2020 - While open enrollment closed at the end of December for much of the country, in Colorado we get an extra 15 days to get coverage for the new year. Open enrollment for individuals and families who buy their own health insurance will continue through Wednesday, January 15th. After Open Enrollment for
- [New Public Option for Colorado Proposed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-public-option-health-insurance/) - December 3rd, 2019 - Colorado has a new proposed "public option" which is a public health insurance option that potentially could provide another option for people who buy their own health insurance, as early as 2022. Colorado regulators produced a proposal that is several hundred pages long and officials say its impact on Colorado's health
- [Welcome to the 2020 Open Enrollment Period](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2020-colorado-open-enrollment-period/) - November 1st, 2019 - Open enrollment for 2020 re-opened on November 1st and will close in Colorado on January 15th. As it stands now, any plan changes or new enrollments should be completed by December 15th to ensure a January 1st start date. Enrollments from December 16th through January 15th will have a February 1st
- [Colorado's 2020 Health Insurance Rates Look Better Than Expected](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-2020-health-insurance-rates-look-better-than-expected/) - October 15th, 2019 - As we close in on the final days before open enrollment for 2020 re-opens on November 1st, Colorado's Division of Insurance released the rates for individual health insurance plans for the new year. We knew the rates were going to go down, thanks to Colorado’s new reinsurance program, which pays a
- [New Tax Credit and Eligibility Charts for 2020 Released](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/new-federal-tax-credit-and-state-program-eligibility-charts-for-2020-released/) - October 2nd, 2019 - Today, charts for eligibility for both federal tax credits and Colorado state programs like Health First Colorado and CHP+ for the upcoming 2020 enrollment year were released. The new 3 step format is very user friendly to determine if Colorado residents are eligible for Health First Colorado, CHP+ and/or federal tax
- [Colorado Health Insurance Brokers Welcomes Oscar to Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-health-insurance-brokers-welcomes-oscar-to-colorado/) - September 6th, 2019 - Oscar Health is coming to Colorado, with new plans that will start January 1st, 2020. In 2020, Oscar will be offering its referral free plans exclusively in the metro-Denver area. Oscar promotes itself as being user friendly, offering clients smart phone apps, free 24 hour telemedicine access, and discounts for being
- [2018 Open Enrollment Under Way](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2018-open-enrollment-under-way/) - November 3rd, 2017 – Open enrollment for 2018 began this week on November 1st, 2017 and runs through January 12th, 2018. However, to get a January 1st start date on a new policy, enrollments and plan changes should be completed by December 15th. 2018 will have the same carriers as 2017, although Cigna is ending
- [Strategies to Avoid ACA Tax Penalties](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/avoiding-2018-aca-tax-penalties/) - April 16th, 2018 - With tax day upon us, some Coloradans without health insurance are realizing that they will be paying a substantial tax penalty this time next year, if they don't get tax penalty exempt coverage soon. While President Trump is getting rid of the individual mandate, the tax penalties still fully apply for the
- [Monumental Changes Will Reduce Colorado's 2020 Individual Health Insurance Premiums](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/monumental-changes-will-reduce-colorados-2020-individual-health-insurance-premiums/) - August 1st, 2019 - Yesterday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced that the federal government approved a reinsurance plan that will reduce premiums for individuals who buy their own health insurance. This creative solution was driven forward by Governor Polis and the Colorado Division of Insurance. Governor Polis said rates will come down during the upcoming
- [What To Do When A Claim Gets Denied](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/what-to-do-when-a-claim-gets-denied/) - July 10th, 2019 - It's happened to us all. We go to an lab, urgent care or pharmacy and discover that something we thought was covered isn't. Of course, the best advise is to do your homework up front and make sure every provider you're seeing is in-network. The best way to do this is
- [Ruling Changes How Companies Can Pay for Employee Benefits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/new-ruling-changes-ways-companies-can-pay-for-employee-benefits/) - June 17th, 2019 - A federal ruling stemming from President Trump's Executive Order changed how companies can pay for medical benefits for employees. Under the new rule, employers will now be allowed to provide their employees with a fixed amount of money each year in a tax-preferred "Individual Coverage HRA" that the employee can use
- [Inside Colorado's House Bill 1004 - The Affordable Health Coverage Option](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/inside-colorados-house-bill-1004-the-affordable-health-coverage-option/) - May 16th, 2019 - Sponsored by Colorado State Representatives Dylan Roberts and Marc Catlin and Senator Kerry Donovan, House Bill 1004, The Proposal For Affordable Health Coverage Option was sent to Governor Jared Polis' desk for signature on May 2nd. This proposal received a lot of fan fare, but let's dig into what it is
- [Governor Polis Tackles Improving Colorado's Health While Reducing Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/governor-polis-tackles-improving-colorados-health-while-reducing-costs/) - April 12th, 2019 - Colorado's Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera created the Office of Saving People Money on Healthcare. The new office is making some pretty bold plans to improve the health for Coloradans while also reducing the healthcare costs. The office has some interesting ideas, including: Increasing Hospital Price TransparencyEstablishing a Reinsurance Pool
- [Trump Administration Proposes Common Sense Solution To Reduce Health Care Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/trump-administration-proposes-common-sense-solution-to-reduce-health-care-costs/) - March 7th, 2019 - The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is in talks with hospitals, doctors and other providers about a possible requirement that they share price information for health care services rendered online with consumers. While the health care industry is likely to resist this, it would be a boon for
- [Big Changes Coming in April May Upset Colorado's Temporary Health Plan Market](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/big-changes-coming-in-april-likely-to-upset-colorados-temporary-health-plan-market/) - February 1st, 2019 - In an effort to provide stronger protection for Colorado's individual health insurance markets, the Division of Insurance ruled that Temporary health insurance policies must be guarantee issue and cover Essential Health Benefits, starting on April 1st, 2019. Temporary health insurance plans are also known as Short Term plans and they are
- [Happy New Year Colorado!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/happy-new-year-colorado/) - January 4th, 2019 - Another year has come and gone and it's hard to believe that it's 2019 already. Many Coloradans made New Year's resolutions to improve health and finances in 2019. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers can help you improve health and finances, by helping you find the right plan for your personal situation. Whether
- [Colorado Open Enrollment 2019 News Flash](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2019-open-enrollment-news-flash/) - December 17th, 2018 - Select health insurance carriers in Colorado will still allow off-exchange enrollments for a January 1st, 2019 start date, provided the enrollments are completed by December 31st, 2018. Otherwise, February 1st will be the earliest effective date allowed, provided the enrollments are completed by the last day of 2019 open enrollment. While
- [Open Enrollment 2019 Is On!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-2019/) - November 1st, 2018 - Open enrollment for 2019 re-opened on November 1st and will close on January 15th. As it stands now, any plan changes or new enrollments should be completed by December 15th to ensure a January 1st start date. Enrollments from December 16th through January 15th will have a February 1st start date.
- [Rising Hospitalization Prices And Profits Driving Up Insurance Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/rising-hospitalization-prices-profits-driving-insurance-costs/) - October 10th, 2018 - According to a new Denver Post article, Colorado's hospitals have been building out so much capacity, that they're expected to have a lot of unused capacity. While it is no surprise that there will be more empty beds, it is surprising to read that Colorado hospitals profits are nearly double the
- [Colorado Is The Leanest State In America](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-leanest-state-america/) - September 20th, 2018 - Colorado is the leanest state in America, according to a new State of Obesity 2018 Report, which is a joint collaboration by to non-profits, the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Eagle, Colorado was singled out as the leanest area profiled in the report. Colorado is the leanest
- [2019 Rate Increases Are Dramatically Lower Than 2018's](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2019-rate-increases-dramatically-lower/) - August 1st, 2018 - Last week the Colorado Division of Insurance released the preliminary rate filings for proposed health insurance plans for both individual and small group health insurance plans. 2019 looks remarkably stable, compared to the bumpy road we've traveled since the advent of the Affordable Care Act. Anthem, Bight Health, CIGNA, Denver Health,
- [Why "Silver Loading" is Important to 100,000 Coloradans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/silver-loading-important-100000-coloradans/) - July 2nd, 2018 - In response to the federal government's unfunding of Cost Sharing Reductions, Colorado is changing the way it calculates premiums on Silver plans next year for Coloradan's whose incomes qualify them for reduced rates. For the 2019 plan year, the Colorado Division of Insurance requires carriers to load the cost of the
- [Individual Markets May Be Disrupted By Court Ruling](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/individual-markets-aca-court-ruling/) - June 8th, 2018 - Attorney General Jeff Sessions decided not to uphold existing federal legal statutes, as the executive branch generally does. Instead, with President Trump's endorsement, Jeff Sessions supports an argument from a US District Court in Texas that the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as ObamaCare) law is invalid. The lawsuit
- [Big Carriers Outlook on Exchange Business Improves](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/big-carriers-exchange-outlook-improves/) - May 11th, 2018 - Nationally, health insurance carriers have been doing better with the ObamaCare plans. Cigna and Anthem reported improving first quarter profits for 2018 for their individual health insurance lines of business. A Forbes article reported major carriers saying they see a more stabilized market on public exchanges during their earnings calls over the
- [Connect for Health Colorado Plans Big Improvements for 2019](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/connect-for-health-colorado-big-improvements-2019/) - March 1st, 2018 - Connect for Health Colorado received approval from it's board to develop a new streamlined process to make it easier for Coloradans get Advance Premium Tax Credits to reduce the cost of their health insurance. The new system will ask just a few screening questions using easy to understand language to make
- [Type of Insurance & Martial Status Impacts Longevity](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/type-of-insurance-impacts-longevity/) - February 10th, 2018 - According to a recent study, people who are married and covered by private insurance had a better survival rate than single people covered by private programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Researchers at Yale University found that married patients lived 40% longer than those who never married. They also found that people with
- [2018 Open Enrollment Closed January 12th - Tax Penalties Intact](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2018-open-enrollment-closes-january-12th-tax-penalties-intact-2018/) - January 14th, 2018 - Colorado's health insurance open enrollment for 2018 closed on January 12th. Under many circumstances, open enrollment is the only time you can change individual and family plans during the year. That is NOT expected to change in 2018. However, f you had an individual health insurance plan that's no longer offered in 2018,
- [Preparation for 2018 Open Enrollment Under Way](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/preparation-2018-open-enrollment/) - October 3rd, 2017 - Open enrollment for 2018 re-opens on November 1st, 2017 and runs through January 12th, 2018. However, to get a January 1st start date on a new policy, enrollments should be completed by December 15th. 2018 will have the same carriers as 2017, although Cigna is ending it's Vantage plans and most
- [Colorado Individual Health Insurance Plan Premiums Increase an Average of 26.7%](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2018-colorado-health-insurance-plan-premium-increases/) - September 7th, 2017 - The good news is that Colorado still has insurance companies offering plans in every county in Colorado. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield recently announced that it plans to continue to offer health insurance statewide. In many rural counties, Anthem is the only carrier offering coverage in 2018. The news that consumers
- [2018 Rates Up Nearly 27% as Insurers Brace for Possible Change](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2018-rates-27-insurers-brace-change/) - July 17th, 2017 - Last Friday, Colorado's Insurance Commissioner released the insurance carriers requests for rate increases for 2018. In 2017, we saw rates go up an average of 20%. In 2018, rates will climb by almost 27%. The final rates still need to be approved by the Colorado Division of Insurance in late September
- [Good News for Colorado's 2018 Health Insurance Market](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/good-news-colorados-2018-health-insurance-market/) - June 23rd, 2017 - Colorado citizens received some wonderful news yesterday when Colorado Insurance Commissioner Marguerite Salazar announced that all of the insurance companies that offered health insurance in 2017 will staying in the Colorado individual health insurance markets in 2018. The Division of Insurance head reported that 12 carriers had filed to sell plans
- [American Health Care Act Moves to the Senate](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/american-health-care-act-moves-senate/) - May 10th, 2017 - On May 4th, Congress passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which was part of a Republican efford to make good on campaign promises to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare. NPR has a fairly balanced fact check of the AHCA. The AHCA is a budget reconciliation
- [After the Meltdown, What's Next for Health Insurance?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/meltdown-health-insurance/) - April 1st, 2017 - After Republicans failed to garner enough votes to send their healthcare bill to the Senate, President Trump says he is not giving up. "I know we're going to make a deal on health care," Trump told a bipartisan group of senators Tuesday night. It appears that may have been a shrewd
- [Highlights of Republican's New Plan to Replace ACA](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/republican-new-plan-to-replace-aca/) - March 7th, 2017 - House Republicans unveiled their proposal, which came from two bills drafted in separate committees, which hopes to replace the Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare. It is being called the American Health Care Act, but the proposal was nicknamed ObamaCare Lite by some and TrumpCare by others. The proposed law would continue to let
- [2017 Open Enrollment Closes, But You May Be Eligible for Special Enrollment Opportunities](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2017-open-enrollment-special-enrollment-opportunities/) - February 1st, 2017 - Yesterday was the last day of Open Enrollment and open enrollment will not re-open again until November 1st for plans with a January 1st, 2018 start date. However, Coloradans with certain life situation changes may become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. A Special Enrollment Period is a time outside
- [Still Time to Save: Open Enrollment Open Until January 31st](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-open-thru-january-2017/) - December 19th, 2016 - While the media hyped the December 15th cut off date to get a January 1st start date on a new health insurance policy, Coloradans with non-renewable Anthem PPO, Humana and RMHP plan's ending on 12/31/16 can still get a January 1st start date via Special Enrollment Period rules, if they enroll before
- [Election Results & Impact on Health Insurance: Today & Tomorrow](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/election-results-health-insurance-impact/) - November 9th, 2016 - The elections are finally over and now it's time to figure out how this will impact Coloradans day to day lives. While the national elections will almost certainly impact ObamaCare in the future, it's very unlikely that the changes to come will have an impact on the 2017 health insurance enrollments
- [2017 Health Insurance Open Enrollment for Colorado is Open](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2017-health-insurance-open-enrollment-colorado/) - November 1st, 2017 - Fall means it’s time to cheer on the Broncos and it’s time for Coloradans to schedule insurance reviews for 2017 health plans. Open enrollment season opened November 1st and remains open through January 31st. However, enrollments must be completed by December 15th to get a January 1st start date on a new
- [2017 Health Insurance Increases Hit Rural Colorado Hardest](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2017-health-insurance-increases-hit-rural-colorado-hardest/) - September 21st, 2016 - The Colorado Division of Insurance approved 2017 rates and said health insurance premiums are increasing, on average, 20.4%. It's important to note that this is an average and some will pay much less, while others will pay much more. While people in Colorado's more populated Front Range cities will feel a sting
- [Colorado Insurer's Shift to HMO & EPO Plans to Control Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-plans-shift-hmo-epo-control-costs/) - August 1st, 2016 - According to a new report, the vast majority of health insurance company offerings through 19 health insurance exchanges across the country will be Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Traditional Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) plans have shrunk to a minority, making up just 25% of the plans
- [Health Care Inflation Rises as Fed's Fight Health Insurance Mergers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/feds-fight-health-insurance-mergers/) - August 1st, 2016 - Last week, the Department of Justice sued in federal court to block Aetna's $37 billion takeover of Humana and Anthem's $54 billion merger with Cigna Corp. The federal suit was joined by 16 states that filed lawsuits seeking to prevent decreased competition in health insurance markets under federal antitrust laws. Colorado Division
- [ACA Plan's Out of Pocket Maximums Change for 2017](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aca-out-of-pocket-maximums-change/) - July 1st, 2017 - The out of pocket maximum expenses that consumers are responsible for is limited by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as ObamaCare. The out of pocket maximum increased for individuals from $6,850 in 2016 to $7,150 in 2017. For families, the out of pocket maximum is twice the individual maximum, increasing from $13,700 in
- [2017 to Bring Big Changes to Colorado's Individual Health Insurance Market](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2017-brings-big-changes-colorado-individual-health-insurance/) - 20% of Coloradans With Individual Plans Will Have to Change Plans in 2017 June 6th, 2016 - The Colorado Division of Insurance announced that starting in 2017 approximately 20,000 consumers in Colorado will be losing their Humana and UnitedHealthcare individual health insurance policies, as those companies will no longer be offering individual plans in Colorado.
- [Employer Group Premium Increases Slow in 2016](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/employer-group-premium-2016/) - May 25th, 2016 - A new report showed that the 4.7% average increase in the cost of employer provided health insurance was the smallest increase since 2001. It's not all good news though, as the report also said that prescription drug costs continue to far outpace other health care costs. This year, prescription drug costs
- [2015 Tax Penalties for Individuals and Small Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2015-tax-penalties-individuals-small-businesses/) - April 15th, 2016 - Due to the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, every American must be covered by a health insurance policy that complies with the ACA's Minimum Essential Coverage coverage requirements. The 2015 tax penalty for non-compliance is $325 per adult and $162.50 per child, or 2% of household income, whichever is greater. In
- [What Does the Future Hold for Colorado's Health Insurance Rates?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/future-colorado-health-insurance-rates/) - March 2nd, 2016 - With the upcoming national elections, much is at stake for 2017 health insurance rates. Changes in the House, Senate and Presidential races will all come into play. If health insurance rates go up significantly before November 15th, that could affect the outcome of the elections themselves. Profitable insurers like Anthem Blue Cross Blue
- [Open Enrollment Closed, but Special Enrollment Period Opportunities May Apply](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-closes-special-enrollment-period-options-exist/) - February 1st, 2016 - Yesterday was the last day of Open Enrollment and open enrollment will not re-open again until November 1st for plans with a January 1st, 2017 start date. However, several exceptions may apply that could allow enrollment outside of the Open Enrollment Period. Unique to Colorado, a Special Enrollment Period through February
- [Open Enrollment Nears Close as ACA Threatened by New Bill](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-nears-close/) - January 6th, 2016 - On January 31st Open Enrollment for 2016 will come to a close, marking the end of when most people can purchase individual and family health insurance without a Qualifying Event. Open Enrollment will reopen next November for new plans that will take effect on January 1st, 2017. Meanwhile, Republicans are mounting
- [It's On!!  2016 Open Enrollment Season Officially Starts](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2016-open-enrollment-season-officially-starts/) - November 1st, 2015 - Today mark's the official start of the open enrollment season, so now is the time to schedule your review for 2016 health insurance plans. With the impending closure of Colorado HealthOp and thousands of Coloradans whose non-grandfathered plans are ending on 12/31/15, this promises to be the busiest open enrollment season to date.
- [2016 Rates Approved by Colorado Division of Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2016-rates-approved-colorado-division-insurance/) - October 23rd, 2015 - Today, Colorado's Division of Insurance officially approved 1,073 health insurance plans from 20 carriers to offer health coverage to consumers and small businesses for 2016. Colorado lost 3 carriers for the upcoming year. Colorado HealthOP, New Health Ventures and Assurant Health will not be offering health insurance in 2016. Across Colorado,
- [2016 Open Enrollment Fast Approaching](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2016-open-enrollment-fast-approaching/) - October 4th, 2015 - Fall is officially upon us. That means it's time to cheer on the Broncos and it also means that health insurance open enrollment season is just around the corner. 2016 plans and rates will be available to quote in mid to late October and Colorado Health Insurance Brokers will be scheduling reviews shortly
- [Selling Health Insurance Across State Lines Is a Swing and a Miss](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/selling-health-insurance-across-state-lines-colorado/) - September 1st, 2015 - Politicians are trying to solve America's health care mess in a variety of ways. However, simple solutions rarely solve complex problems and, in fact, typically create fresh new problems. A few presidential candidates have proposed that allowing health insurance companies to sell health insurance across state lines would help control rising health insurance costs. At first
- [7.5 Million Hit by IRS Tax Penalties in 2014](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/75-million-hit-irs-tax-penalties-2014/) - August 3rd, 2015 - 7.5 million Americans received an unwelcome surprise from the IRS for the 2014 tax year, in the form of a tax penality for not having Affordable Care Act compliant health insurance. About 12 million Americans were exempt from IRS fines because their income was too low or they were Native Americans. Of
- [Will Insurance Company Mergers Help or Harm Consumers?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/will-insurance-company-mergers-help-consumers/) - July 13th, 2015 - First it was Aetna's $33 billion proposed deal with Humana, then Centene Corp agreed to acquire Health Net Inc. for $6.3 billion. Anthem was making overtures towards Cigna and its only a matter of time before United Healthcare makes a move on another insurer. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) blamed ObamaCare for planned
- [Health Insurance Rates May Rise in Colorado's Neighboring States](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-rates-rise-colorados-neighboring-states/) - June 2nd, 2015 - The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that insurers in other states requested large rate increases in 2016 from the Obama administration. While Colorado wasn't mentioned, New Mexico's largest insurer requested a huge 51% rate increase. Nearby states Kansas and Missouri had insurers requesting 39% and 34% increases, respectively. The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) requires that insurance
- [$100,000 Annual Prescription Costs On the Rise](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/annual-prescription-costs-rise/) - May 15th, 2015 - It's not uncommon for routine prescription drug costs to startle us when making a trip to the pharmacy, but for some Coloradans the high cost of prescription drugs is at an almost unimaginable level. According to a report from NBC news, over 500,000 American used over $50,000 worth of prescription medications
- [Cost Shifting to Employees on the Rise](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cost-shifting-employees-rise/) - April 2nd, 2015 - It's common knowledge that affordability of quality healthcare is a major concern for the majority of Americans. According to a new study from Washington think tank, The Center For American Progress, the recent slowdown in the growth of healthcare costs has helped, but employee costs continue to rise. Employees insurance premiums and out of pocket
- [2015 Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2015-open-enrollment-begins-colorado/) - November 5th, 2015 - Health insurance open enrollment season begins next week across the state of Colorado. Open enrollment officially opens November 15th and closes February 15th, 2015. This is a message worth sharing, as a new poll said that nine in 10 uninsured people surveyed did not known that enrollment starts this month. Under
- [Colorado DOI Approves 2015 Health Insurance Rates](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-division-insurance-approves-2015-health-insurance-rates/) - October 2nd, 2014 - Last week the Colorado Division of Insurance approved the 2015 health insurance rates. Twenty health insurance carriers will offer 1,072 plans in Colorado's individual and small group markets next year. On average, individual plans are only increasing 0.71% and small group plans are increasing 2.54%. Of course, these are averages, and rates can
- [Enrollment Deadlines: Fact vs. Myths](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/enrollment-deadlines-fact-myths/) - December 16th, 2014 - The holidays should be a time of joy, but growing "to do" lists can bring on stress if we're not careful. No doubt, you've heard commercials hyping the December 15th "deadline" for health insurance open enrollment. There is reason for concern for some, but the majority of people have much more time.
- [Supreme Court Ruling's Impact on Colorado May Be Minimal](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/supreme-court-rulings-impact-colorado-minimal/) - March 4th, 2015 - Today, the Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in King v. Burwell, which challenges the Affordable Care Act’s consumer subsidies. The court case boils down to whether the federal government can continue to provide tax credits and reduced cost sharing benefits to consumers in states that did not establish their own
- [Some Carriers Extend Open Enrollment Deadline to Feb 28th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/carriers-extend-open-enrollment-deadline-feb-28th/) - Feb 15th, 2015 - News Alert... A number of insurance providers announced they are extending open enrollment and will continue to accept applications through February 28th for an April 1st start date. Please note these are for off-exchange applications direct with insurance carriers. While the off-exchange policies are not eligible for any federal tax credits, the policies are fully Affordable
- [The ACA & Your Taxes - What You Need to Know](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aca-taxes/) - January 2nd, 2015 - The new year may bring some new tax forms to your mailbox. Since the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) requires most Americans to have health insurance, some of these forms will serve as your proof of compliance, so you can avoid tax penalties and other forms are just for people eligible for tax
- [Free Preventive Services Covered Under New Health Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/free-preventive-services-new-health-plans/) - Preventative care is important for people of all ages and can help you avoid serious illness. Under the Affordable Care Act law, if you get a new health insurance policy you and your family are eligible for FREE preventive services, including screenings, vaccinations and counseling, as per the policy. Money Saving Tips: Use in-network providers. Confirm the doctor codes
- [Political Wrangling in the Closing Days of Open Enrollment](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/political-wrangling-closing-days-open-enrollment/) - February 4th, 2015 - With just days left before Open Enrollment closes for 2015, the House passed a bill yesterday to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The bill is the 56th attempt to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act since 2011. However, the bill faces a certain veto from President Obama and Congress will
- [Announcing Colorado's Child-only Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period for July 2012](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-child-only-health-insurance-open-enrollment-period-july-2012/) - June 25th, 2012 - Colorado's last open enrollment for 2012 for "Child Only" policies is during the month of July for August 1st effective dates. Applications must be received by the insurance carriers during the month of July. The next open enrollment period will be in January of 2013. If you know anyone who needs coverage
- [Colorado’s Child-only Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period Ends on July 31st](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-childonly-health-insurance-open-enrollment-period-ends-july-31st/) - July 25th, 2012 - Colorado’s last open enrollment period for ”Child Only” policies for 2012 ends on Tuesday the 31st of July. The next open enrollment period will be in January of 2013. If you know anyone who needs coverage for a child that is not eligible to be insured under a parent’s employer sponsored
- [Colorado Health Insurance Brokers Helps Deal With Rate Increases Over the Holidays](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-health-insurance-brokers-lend-hand-dealing-rate-increases-holidays/) - December 14th, 2012 - Mid-December is when many people across Colorado have received their rate increase letters for 2013 from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, UnitedHealthOne aka Golden Rule, Kaiser and Assurant. Cigna’s rates will be adjusting later in the new year. This is a great time have Colorado Health Insurance Brokers perform a
- [July is Colorado’s Child-only Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/july-colorados-childonly-health-insurance-open-enrollment-period/) - July 1st, 2013 – Colorado’s ”Child Only” health insurance open enrollment period begins today and ends on the 31st of July. The effective date for these Child Only plans is September 1st. The next open enrollment period for Child Only health insurance plans is in January of 2014. If you know anyone who needs coverage for a child that is not eligible
- [Colorado's 2014-2015 Open Enrollment & Renewal Season Nears](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2014-2015-open-enrollment-renewal/) - September 12th, 2014 - Colorado's open enrollment season for individual and family health insurance plans re-opens on November 15th and Colorado Health Insurance Brokers is gearing up to service new and existing clients. Whether you're getting health insurance for the first time or simply want to weigh your options against your plan renewal rates, we are here to help
- [Colorado's 2015 Health Insurance Rates Under Review](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-2015-health-insurance-rates-review/) - August 1st, 2015 - This week the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative finished their analysis of the 2015 health insurance rates filed with the Colorado Division of Insurance. They reported that competition seems to be driving down rates for some carriers and plans, while other carriers are readjusting and raising rates on some plans. That's pretty much
- [Colorado Insurance Rate Trends for 2015](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-insurance-rate-trends-2015/) - July 3rd, 2014 - According to preliminary insurance carrier rate flings for 2015, Kaiser premiums may increase an average of 7 percent in 2015 while Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's average premiums may go down 5%. Colorado Choice Health Plans rates may increase about 6.6 percent and Cigna rates may go up an average of 6.07 percent. Time Insurance
- [Feds Rein In Employer Payments for Individual Policies](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/irs-pulls-reins-employer-payments-individual-policies/) - June 18th, 2014 - Employers using pre-tax money for the purchase individual health has been a gray area for some, with it being in compliance with Colorado laws, but prohibited by Federal regulations. The IRS has cleared things with a new ruling that makes clear that this practice is not allowable. The IRS's new ruling prohibits
- [ACA Enrollment Deadline Extended to December 23rd](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aca-enrollment-deadline-extended-december-23rd/) - December 2nd, 2013 - Last week President Obama extended the deadline to December 23rd for those applying for January 1st, 2014 effective dates on new ObamaCare compliant health insurance plans. Those who purchase insurance by that date will have coverage beginning January 1. For those enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado, after enrolling in the
- [Obama Gives States Chance to Extend Cancelled Policies](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-extends-policies/) - November 14th, 1013 - Today President Obama said insurers may renew certain individual and small group health insurance plans for 2014 without having to comply with new Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014. However, ultimately it is up to each states' governor and insurance commissioner if they will allow
- [Feds Disallow Employer Pre-Tax Payment of Individual Premiums](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/employer-payment-individual-premiums/) - November 2nd, 2013 - New guidance confirms that HRAs cannot be used with individual insurance under ACA requirements. There is an exemption for retirees where the company funds the HRA and the money is used for the purchase of individual health insurance. The guidance also precludes other pre-tax employer reimbursements of employees’premiums for individual health coverage.
- [House Threat to Defund ACA Appears to be a Non-Starter](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/defunding-obamacare-nonstarter/) - August 1st, 2013 - House Republicans are debating attaching a measure to a spending bill to defund the Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare). To avoid a government shut down a spending bill must be approved by September 30, the end of the fiscal year. CNN reported that in a closed-door meeting with House Republicans, House Speaker John
- [ACA Loophole May Help Policyholders in 2014](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/insurers-loophole-policyholders-2014/) - July 10th, 2013 - A loophole in President Obama's Affordable Care Act (ACA) enables health insurers to extend existing policies for nearly all of 2014. This is a radical change for the previous understanding that all health insurance plans must comply with new federal rules starting Jan. 1, 2014 when most provisions of the ACA go
- [No Penalties for Businesses Who Don't Offer Health Insurance in 2014](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/penalties-businesses-offer-health-insurance-2014/) - July 3rd, 2014 - The federal government is giving businesses more time to prepare for the Employer Mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Companies with 50 or more full-time employees will face fines of up to $3,000 per employee if they don't offer their employees affordable health insurance. However, now this "employer mandate" under the ACA won't be enforced until 2015. The delay
- [Ruling Could Save Consumers & Health Plans $3.5 Billion/Year](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/supreme-court-ruling-saves-consumers-35-billion/) - June 17th, 2013 - Today's Supreme Court ruling is expected to save consumers and health plans as much as $3.5 billion a year, by forcing pharmaceutical companies to provide generic drugs without delay. Some brand name drug makers slightly change the formula for a drug or how it is administered to a patient in an
- [Fed's New Cap on Flex Spending Accounts](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/feds-cap-flex-spending-accounts/) - June 1st, 2013 - A little known cap on Flex Spending Accounts (FSA's) is expected to impact older and chronically ill individuals the most. Under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare, there is a new $2,500 annual cap on individual FSA contributions. Flex Spending Accounts are part of some companies' employee benefits package.
- [IRS Rules for Which Companies May Have to Pay Penalties Under ACA](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/irs-rules-companies-pay-penalties-aca/) - April 10th, 2013 - The ACA does not require employers to offer health insurance, but there may be penalties for some companies that don't offer benefits. While these penalties apply to employers with over 50 full time employees, the way in which "full time" employees are counted is of worth noting for companies with part time employees.
- [Fed's New Marketing Program to Promote Health Reform Changes](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/feds-marketing-program-promote-health-reform/) - April 2nd, 2013 - The federal government is embarking on a new marketing program to convince Americans that the Affordable Care Act (ACA, often known as ObamaCare) will make their lives better. The Department of Health and Human Services' website showed the results of its marketing analysis which reveals the US population divided up into six
- [New Rules for Minimum Essential Coverage to Avoid Tax Penalties in 2014](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/rules-minimum-essential-coverage-avoid-tax-penalties-2014/) - February 11th, 2013 - The IRS and Department of Health and Human Services announced new proposed regulations related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the ACA, starting in 2014 most people are required to have a minimum level of health insurance coverage or pay a tax penalty. Going forward, this penalty will now be called
- [CBO Predicts More People to Leave Employer Sponsored Plans in 2014](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cbo-predicts-people-leave-employer-sponsored-plans-2014/) - February 9th, 2013 - According to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office about 7 million people will drop off of employer sponsored group health insurance when the Affordable Care Act comes into full swing in 2014. That number is expected to grow to 26 million people by 2016. The CBO's change in its forecast
- [Medicaid & Mental Health Expansions in Colorado Under Discussion](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicaid-mental-health-colorado/) - February 1st, 2013 - Yesterday a Senate committee discussed a Republican proposal to put conditions on the upcoming Medicaid expansion. In Colorado, Governor Hickenlooper is planning to implement the Medicaid expansion for Colorado's low-income adults, as part of the federal Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare). Governor John Hickenlooper said that Colorado can afford the expansion.
- [2013: Changes for Healthcare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2013-healthcare-changes/) - January 2nd, 2013 - While there will be changes in healthcare in 2013, most of it will be in preparation for the big changes that will take place on January 1st, 2014, when the major tenants of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare) go into full force. Health insurance companies will be making changes
- [ACA Charges New Fee to 190 Million Americans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aca-charges-fee-190-million-americans/) - December 11th, 2012 - As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as Obamacare, 190 million Americans will be charged a new $63 per person fee to help offset some of the cost of covering people with pre-existing conditions. The Obama administration says it is a temporary assessment designed to raise $25 billion. It will
- [What is Going to Happen to Rates in 2014?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/happen-rates-2014/) - December 5th, 2012 - The major tenants of the Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare, will come into place on January 1st, 2014. At that time, health insurance will become guarantee issue and a host of new mandates will have to be added to all new plans. So, the question is, will health insurance rates
- [Celebrate Small Business on Small Business Saturday](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/celebrate-small-business-small-business-saturday/) - November 21st, 2012 - First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and now tomorrow you have an opportunity to do something special on Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day when Americans show their support by shopping at small businesses across America. Small business is the engine that fuels the American economy,
- [Obamacare Here to Stay](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obamacare-anywere/) - November 12th, 2012 - President Obama's re-election cemented the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as Obamacare. It's here to stay, at least for the next few years. The election effectively put an end to the Republican campaign to derail the law. "It's all over but the shouting," said Families USA Executive Director
- [Obama Wins Re-Election; House and Senate Remain Divided](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-wins-reelection-house-senate-remain-divided/) - November 7, 2012 - Barrack Obama won the presidential election with President Obama winning 50 percent of Colorado's vote to Mitt Romney's 48 percent. According to the Denver Post, Obama won Colorado's two most critical "swing areas" of Jefferson and Arapahoe counties by 4 to 6 percentage points. While Obama won by a fairly wide margin of
- [Obama or Romney: What Happens to Healthcare After Election](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-romney-healthcare-election/) - November 5th, 2012 - If Barrack Obama is re-elected then the Affordable Healthcare Act (aka Obamacare), should go into full effect on January 1st, 2014. However, it's entirely possible that the ACA's subsidies may be scaled back as pressure mounts to reduce the federal deficit. If Mitt Romney is elected he says he'll repeal Obamacare.
- [Tax Penalty for Not Having Health Insurance to Hit 6 million Americans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tax-penalty-health-insurance/) - November 1st, 2012 - According to a new study by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, nearly 6 million Americans will have to pay a tax penalty for not having health insurance once the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is fully in place. 80% of those who will be assessed the tax penalty are middle class Americans.
- [Colorado's Employer Sponsored Plan Premium Increases May Slow a Bit in 2013](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-employer-health-insurance-2013/) - October 26th, 2012 - According to the Denver Post, increases in health insurance costs for businesses in Colorado are showing signs of finally slowing down. Employer-provided health insurance costs were 14.4% in 2011, 9.4% in 2012 and are to increase 7.5% in 2013. The national average for health care cost increases are 7% for 2013. Many companies
- [2nd Debate Dials Back Healthcare Focus](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2nd-debate-dials-healthcare-focus/) - October 16th, 2012 - While the Affordable Care Act (ACA also known as ObamaCare) was perhaps the hottest issue of the first presidential debate, health insurance was far from a focal point in last night's second debate between President Barrack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney did fire off a few barbs about healthcare including, "Obama said he'd
- [Presidential Candidates Throw Down Over Health Care](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/presidential-candidates-throw-down-over-health-care/) - October 4th, 2012 - Last night President Obama and Mitt Romney met in Denver, Colorado to debate the issues, including healthcare. President Obama defended "Obamacare" whereas Mitt Romney said that he would repeal Obamacare, saying it adds costs to the health system and has led to Medicare cuts. Romney said that President Obama spent his
- [Healthcare Takes Center Stage in Presidential Election](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/healthcare-takes-center-stage-presidential-election/) - September 14th, 2012 - With less than two months before the election, healthcare has become one of the top issues in the 2012 presidential campaign. Polling data shows that soaring healthcare costs and Medicare coverage for the elderly are two of the top campaign issues for voters. Rising healthcare costs may present a challenge to both
- [Barack Obama on Healthcare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/barack-obama-healthcare/) - Sept 12th, 2012 - President Obama's prior campaign prominently highlighted healthcare reform and arguably one of his major achievement's in his current term as President was the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. The law introduced comprehensive reforms on national health care legislations and is supposed to eventually expand coverage to
- [Mitt Romney on Healthcare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/mitt-romney-healthcare/) - September 11th, 2012 - Mitt Romney has repeatedly said that if elected he would immediately dismantle President Obama’s Affordable Care Act (widely known as Obamacare). While Romney's own healthcare plan in Massachusetts was the template for the Affordable Care Act, Romney maintains he is a proponent of Universal Health Care at the State level, but
- [Romney's Choice of Paul Ryan Ignites Medicare as Hot Topic for Presidential Campaign](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicare-hot-topic-presidential-campaign/) - August 16th, 2012 - Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's choice of Paul Ryan as his Vice President has made Medicare a hot issue in the presidential race. Paul Ryan is a powerful Congressman from Wisconsin, who advocates an aggressive budget proposal known as the “Path to Prosperity." Ryan’s budget proposal was passed by the House,
- [Obama Defends ACA as Employers Brace for Increased Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-defends-aca-employers-brace-increased-costs/) - August 9th, 2012 - Campaigning in Colorado, at stops in Denver and Grand Junction, President Obama said that his presidential opponent Mitt Romney would repeal the Affordable Care Act and said, "Colorado, you've got to make sure that does not happen." Republican candidate Mitt Romney's website confirms this, saying, "On his first day in office, Mitt
- [Healthcare Law's Next Challenges Come in November](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/healthcare-laws-challenges-november/) - July 2nd, 2012 - Now that the Supreme Court has upheld most of President Obama's Affordable Care Act, this month, Capitol Hill Republicans plan a symbolic vote in July to scrap the law. However, the next real challenge comes with the upcoming elections this November. Republican candidate Mitt Romney has pledged to dismantle the law
- [Benefits that Could Suddenly End if Supreme Court Overturns Health Reform Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/supreme-court-overturn-health-reform-law/) - June 19th, 2012 - The Supreme Court currently has a slim majority of 5 Republican appointees, who together could strike down the entire Federal Health Reform Law. All the conservative justices signaled in their comments a serious unease with the healthcare reform’s requirement provision that nearly all Americans to have health insurance starting in 2014.
- [The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/healthcare-law-gdp/) - June 15th, 2012 - Yesterday a new government report on national healthcare spending said that President Obama's healthcare law will have little effect on the nation's total healthcare bill. The report said that American spending on healthcare is expected to continue to increase over the next 10 years, growing to consume 20% of the US
- [Romney Vows to Gut Health Care Law if Elected](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/romney-vows-gut-health-care-law-elected/) - June 13th, 2012 - Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was asked what he will do if the Supreme Court Justices fail to overturn President Obama's Healthcare reform law. Romney responded, “Regardless of what they do, it’s going to be up to the next president to either repeal and replace or replace Obamacare,” Romney said. “And I
- [Health Insurance Tax Credit Underwhelms Small Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-tax-credit-underwhelms-small-businesses/) - June 1st, 2012 - One of the more popular sounding aspects of the Health Care Reform Law was a health insurance tax credit for small businesses. While it sounded good on paper, only 170,300 businesses out of the 4 million eligible businesses filed for the tax credit in 2010. For the 2010 tax year, the average
- [Government's Increasing Role in the War on Obesity in America](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/governments-increasing-role-war-obesity-america/) - May 18th, 2012 - While Colorado is one of the leanest states in America, the social costs associated with obesity in America are staggering. A new report says that " The human toll of obesity-related chronic disease and disability, and an annual cost of $190.2 billion for treating obesity-related illness, underscore the urgent need to
- [IRS Announces Increases for HSA Contributions for 2013](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/irs-announces-increases-hsa-contributions-2013/) - May 14th, 2012 - The IRS just announced increases for allowable Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits for 2013. Individual HSA contributions increased to $3,250 in 2013. Family plans are HSA qualified insurance plans with more than one person enrolled and the contribution limits for those family plans increased to $6,450 for the upcoming year. For HSA qualified insurance plans, the maximum annual out-of-pocket increased as well. The
- [More American's Missing Doctor Visits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/americans-missing-doctor-visits/) - May 8th, 2012 - According to a new study, more adult Americans are skipping routine check ups than they were 10 years ago. The Wall Street Journal reports that 21% of adult Americans under the age 65 said they had an "unmet" health care need and 20% said they couldn't get into a doctor's office.
- [Obama Confident Supreme Court Will Uphold Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-confident-supreme-court-uphold-law/) - April 21st, 2012 - Contrary to reports that the Health Care Reform law is in serious trouble, Obama Administration Health and Human Services' Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that the Obama administration does not have a contingency plan ready should the U.S. Supreme Court rule this June that PPACA Health Reform Law is unconstitutional. "We're confident the law is
- [Tax Break for Small Business Group Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tax-break-small-business-group-plans/) - April 12th, 2012 - With tax day looming, many small businesses with employer sponsored group health insurance plans may be eligible for a significant federal tax credit in 2011. This business tax credit is one of the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Healthcare Reform. The tax credit is
- [Supreme Court Leaning Towards Throwing Out Entire Healthcare Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/supreme-court-leaning-throwing-entire-healthcare-law/) - March 28th, 2012 - Today, the conservative majority in the Supreme Court who are deciding the fate of President Obama's Healthcare law were outspoken and leaning towards throwing out the entire law. This was quite a surprise to most everybody. The Supreme Court currently has a slim majority of 5 Republican appointees, who together could strike down the entire
- [Supreme Court Meets Today to Begin Deciding Future of Healthcare Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/supreme-court-meets-today-deciding-future-healthcare-law/) - March 26th, 2012 - Today the United States Supreme Court convenes to decide the fate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and if it can require Americans to purchase health insurance. If the requirement that Americans purchase health insurance is not upheld, then the US Supreme Court is also expected to decide whether the entire healthcare
- [Unpaid Medical Bills Bankrupt Woman Challenging Federal Health Insurance Mandate](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/unpaid-medical-bills-bankrupt-woman-challenging-federal-health-insurance-mandate/) - March 9th, 2012 - Mary Brown, a self-employed Florida woman, was one of the lead plaintiff's in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the 2010 Health Reform law's requirement that everyone in American be required to have health insurance by January 1st, 2014. "Brown "doesn't have insurance. She doesn't want to pay for it. And she
- [1% of People Account for 25% of Health Care Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/1-people-account-25-health-care-costs/) - March 1st, 2012 - Of people under 65, the top 1% of people with private health insurance account for over 25% of health care costs, according to the New York Times and a study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. When the major provisions of health reform take effect on January 1st, 2014 and
- [Contraceptives Free Beginning August 1st, 2012](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/contraceptives-free-beginning-august-2012/) - February 10th, 2012 - According to the White House, starting August 1st of this year most health insurance plans will be required to cover women's preventative health care services, including contraception, for free, not subject to deductible or copays, in-network. These preventive services include well women visits, domestic violence screening, and contraception. Churches, other houses of worship,
- [January is "Child Only" Open Enrollment Month](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/january-child-open-enrollment-month/) - January 2nd, 2012 - If you want to apply for an individual health insurance plan for a child only health insurance plan in Colorado, the time to apply is now. Child only applications are accepted from January 1-31 for a policy effective date of March 1st. Child only policies are for people under the age of 19, who
- [Greek Diet Provides Superior Health](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/greek-diet-yields-health/) - December 8th, 2011 - Probably no diet in the world has been studied more thoroughly or associated with more positive outcomes than the Greek diet. According to a recently completed study, of all the diets in the 7 country Mediterranean region, the Greek diet yields the best overall health. Greek people on the island of
- [Opinion on Health Care Reform Shifts a Bit](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/opinion-health-care-reform-shifts-bit/) - December 1st, 2011 - After peaking at 51%, American opposition to the health-care reform law softened to 44 percent according to a November poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The percentage of people polled in favor of the law are still the minority, hovering at around 37%. People who dislike the law predominately say it’s
- [Medicare Enrollment Change Deadline Fast Approaching](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicare-enrollment-change-deadline-fast-approaching/) - November 27th, 2011 - Medicare open enrollment's deadline is December 7th this year. If you have a traditional Medicare Supplement (sometimes called Medigap plans, Plan F is the most popular example) that you're happy with you may be best served keeping that plan, as most Medigap plans are not guarantee issue and require medical qualification
- [Small Business Saturday](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/small-business-saturday-2/) - November 25th, 2011 - First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and now tomorrow you have an opportunity to do something special on Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day when Americans show their support by shopping at small businesses across America. Small business is the engine that fuels the American economy, providing jobs and
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/happy-thanksgiving/) - November 21st, 2011 - With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to the good people of Colorado that we take pleasure in assisting with their health insurance needs. It is a privilege to help our clients understand their health insurance options and find the best solution
- [LTC Provision Sidelined from Health Care Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/ltc-provision-sidelined-health-care-reform/) - October 14th, 2011 - Today the Obama administration announced that it was abandoning a new program to provide Americans with long-term care insurance. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, said, "For 19 months, experts inside and outside government have examined how [the Department of Health and Human Services] might implement a financially sustainable,
- [Health Reform Law's Legality to be Decided by June 2012](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-laws-legality-decided-june-2012/) - September 26th, 2011 - Today the Obama administration set things in motion for the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the president's PPACA's health reform law by June of 2012. The primary issue is whether it is legal for the government to require that all Americans with taxable income to have health insurance
- [Colorado and Feds at Odds on HRA's](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-feds-odds-hras/) - September 16th, 2011 - A few months ago Colorado introduced a new state law that allows companies with 50 or fewer employees to pay or reimburse employees for the costs of health insurance premiums through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Previously it had been illegal for companies to pay for individual coverage for an employee/family,
- [Judges Reject Insurance Mandate](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/judges-reject-insurance-mandate/) - August 13th, 2011 - In a blow to President Obama's administration, a federal appeals court overturned an earlier ruling and declared that the requirement that Americans have health insurance or be subject to fines is unconstitutional. In a 2-1 decision, judges decided that the mandate represented a unprecendented" expansion of federal power. However, the fate of
- [Kansas Returns Health Insurance Exchange Grant Money](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/kansas-returns-health-insurance-exchange-grant-money/) - August 12th, 2011 - This week Kansas returned $31.5 million to the US Department of Health and Human Services in protest of the US Health Reform law. Kansas was the second state to do so, following Oklahoma. Kathleen Sebelius, who was appointed by President Obama to head the US Department of Health and Human is
- [Child Only Open Enrollment Starts August 1st for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/child-open-enrollment-starts-august-colorado/) - July 27th, 2011 - Regular open enrollment for guarantee issue "Child Only" health insurance policies comes just twice a year in Colorado. Applications for open enrollment will be accepted during the month of August for new health insurance policies that will start on October 1st, 2011. Child only policies are for people under the age of 19, who are applying for
- [Federal Court Upholds Individual Mandate for Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/federal-court-upholds-individual-mandate-health-reform/) - June 29th, 2011 - The Obama Administration had a key victory today when a U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit panel upheld the "individual mandate" provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The "individual mandate" provision requires nearly all Americans to purchase health insurance by 2014 or face financial penalties. This
- [New Commissioner of Insurance Named by Governor Hickenlooper](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/commissioner-insurance-named-governor-hickenlooper/) - June 28th, 2011 - Yesterday Governor John Hickenlooper announced that Jim Riesberg will be Colorado's new Insurance Commissioner starting this Friday, the first of July. "Jim has deep experience as a legislator and public servant. He also has a distinguished career in the insurance, human resources and private sectors," said Hickenlooper. "He shares our commitment
- [Pharmaceutical Marketing Hurts Consumers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/pharmaceutical-marketing-hurts-consumers/) - June 25th, 2011 - Some time ago I was sitting in the lobby of my doctor's office waiting to see my doctor when the door opened and an attractive well dressed couple walked in. As it turned out, they were pharmaceutical sales reps. The man smiled and asked the lady running the doctor's front office if they could take
- [New W2 Health Benefit Reporting Requirements for Employers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/w2-health-benefit-reporting-requirements-employers/) - June 24th, 2011 - Small businesses with fewer than 250 W2 employees will need to start reporting the value of health coverage benefits on W2 forms in 2013. Employers with 250+ W2 employees will have to start reporting these benefits on W2 forms in 2012. However, this change in reporting does NOT mean that the
- [HSA Contribution Limits for 2012 Released](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/hsa-contribution-limits-2012-released/) - June 15th, 2011 - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a great way to save money on a tax advantaged basis. In short, if you’re eligible, they allow you to use pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses. Each year HSA Contribution Limits are updated based on the inflation rate of the previous year. For 2012 the HSA
- [Poll Results - Majority of Americans Opposed to GOP Medicare Overhaul Plan](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/poll-results-american-medicare-overhaul-plan/) - June 3rd, 2011 - Paul Ryan, a Republican House Representative from Wisconsin authored the House Republican 2012 budget which was approved in the House in April and includes a proposal to overhaul Medicare. The House Republican Medicare plan would convert it into a subsidized program for the private insurance market. Last week Senate Democrats
- [New Medicare Claim Tracking Unpopular With Hospitals](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicare-claim-hospitals/) - June 1st, 2011 - Next year the US government's Medicare program will start tracking how hospitals handle claims and reward hospitals that keep costs down and penalize those that are expensive. In calculating Medicare spending per beneficiary, it will measure costs generated during a hospital stay, the three days before it and the 90 days
- [Open Enrollment for Child Only Policies in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-child-policies-colorado/) - May 9th, 2011 - Colorado's Division of Insurance just issued clarification pertaining to a new bill that was signed into law in April 2011 regarding Child-Only health insurance policies. The law changes the open enrollment period for health insurance carriers offering child-only health insurance plans for applicants under the age of 19 to August of 2011.
- [House Introduces Bill That Could Change Medicare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/house-introduces-bill-change-medicare/) - April 15th, 2011 - On tax day the US House of Representatives introduced House Resolution 34, which would take effect in 2012 and lead to substantial changes to Medicare, changing Medicare into a voucher program for future seniors The partisan bill, sponsored by Republican, Paul Ryan of WI, passed in spite of a "No" vote by all
- [Bill to Establish to Colorado's Health Insurance Exchange in 2014](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/bill-establish-health-insurance-exchange-2014/) - March 30th, 2011 - A new bill was recently unveiled at a news conference with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Senate and House leaders for both Democrats and Republicans. Health Insurance Exchanges are a notion that has enjoyed widespread support from business and government leaders. State Senator Tom Boyd, said that the majority of the
- [DOI Clarifies Maternity Law's Impact on Premiums in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/doi-clarifies-maternity-law-colorado/) - March 16th, 2011 - Colorado's Division of Insurance just provided more clarification on the new maternity regulations for individual/family health insurance plans and how they may impact rates for existing individual and family (non group) health insurance policy holders in Colorado. For health insurance policies that have renewed since January 1, 2011, consumers may be billed retroactively for
- [Reforming Health Reform: Single Payer Back on the Table](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/reforming-health-reform-puts-single-payer-table/) - March 1st, 2011 - This week, President Barrack Obama spoke to the National Governor’s Association and told them he is supporting new legislation that would allow states to opt-out of health care reform as soon as 2014. By doing so, states could bypass the unpopular "individual mandate" that would require all Americans to have health insurance or face
- [Senate Democrats Defeat Republican Attempt to Repeal Health Reform Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/senate-democrats-defeat-republican-attempt-repeal-health-reform-law/) - February 4th, 2011 - To the surprise of few, this week Senate Democrats voted down the Republicans attempt to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or PPACA. The PPACA, sometimes called “ObamaCare” or Health Care Reform, was signed into law by President Obama in March of 2010. The Senate vote to defeat the bill was 51-47 and fell
- [Legality of Health Reform Law Tested in Courts](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/legality-health-reform-law-tested-courts/) - February 1st, 2011 - Yesterday, a Federal Judge in Florida ruled that the "individual mandate" of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is unconstitutional. The individual mandate requires that all Americans purchase health insurance by 2014. The judge went on to say that, "Because the individual mandate is unconstitutional and not severable, the
- [Obama Says Health Reform Here to Stay](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-health-reform-stay/) - January 28th, 2011 - During President Barrack Obama's State of the Union address President Obama told Congress that he is unwilling to repeal the health care reform law, but that he is open to "fix what needs fixing." House Republicans have been holding hearings on the repeal of health care reform, but their measures face
- [New Year Brings New Maternity Changes for Individual Health Insurance in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2011-brings-maternity-colorado/) - January 6th, 2011 - Starting on January 1st, 2011, all health insurance carriers are required to cover pre-natal and delivery expenses for pregnancy on NEW individual health insurance policies issued in Colorado. Please note that carriers are NOT required to offer maternity on individual policies that were issued before 2011. Some carriers are offering this benefit older
- [Colorado Gets Bonus from Feds for Increasing Medicaid Enrollment](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-bonus-feds-increasing-medicaid-enrollment/) - December 29th, 2010 - Colorado will receive a $13.7 million bonus for increasing its enrollment of children in public health insurance programs like Medicaid and CHP+. Colorado increased its enrollment in Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) by 14% during the fiscal year which ended June 30th, 2010. At the end of the fiscal year Colorado
- [Colorado's Health Insurance Exchange in Early Stages](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-health-insurance-exchange-early-states/) - December 28th, 2010 - Starting in 2014, over a half million Coloradans that don't have health insurance will be able to use a new state run health insurance exchange to see if they qualify for subsidies and comparison shop for health insurance. How comprehensive that exchange will be will be debated in the coming months
- [Health Insurance Tax Credit for Small Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-tax-credit-small-businesses/) - December 11th, 2010 - Many small businesses with employer sponsored group health insurance plans may be eligible for a significant federal tax credit in 2010. This tax credit is one of the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Healthcare Reform or "ObamaCare." The tax credit is available to businesses with fewer than 25
- [Division of Insurance Clarifies Upcoming Changes to Colorado's Maternity Coverage](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/division-insurance-clarifies-upcoming-maternity-coverage/) - December 7th, 2010 - Colorado's Division of Insurance just issued clarification on the upcoming changes for maternity coverage that will effect individual health insurance plans in Colorado starting on January 1st, 2011. The DOI clarified that the clear intent of the General Assembly was to expand coverage only to policies issued (and not renewed) on
- [New Tool Lets Anthem Clients Gauge Health Costs & Quality](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tool-anthem-members-gauge-health-costs-quality/) - December 1st, 2010 - Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado just made their new "Anthem Care Comparison" tool available to all Anthem Members. This innovative tool lets members compare how much their local hospitals charge for common surgeries and other services. With Anthem Care Comparison, members can: See the costs of nearly 60 different surgeries and procedures
- [After Thanksgiving, Celebrate Small Business Saturday](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/small-business-saturday/) - November 9th, 2010 - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers is proud to promote Small Business Saturday, which is the Saturday right after Thanksgiving. Started by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Small Business Saturday has quickly grown into a national movement to encourage people to visit their local small business stores, shops and restaurants on Saturday, November 27th. Supporting local
- [What the Election Results Mean for Health Care Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/election-results-health-care-reform/) - November 5th, 2010 - Republicans picked up at least 60 House seats and at least six Senate seats in the election, removing Democrat Nancy Pelosi from her powerful position as speaker of the House and putting Republicans in charge of House leadership and committees. According to exit polls, health care reform followed as the second-most
- [FAQ on Colorado Health Insurance Rates](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/faq-colorado-health-insurance-rates/) - October 29th, 2010 - Colorado's Division of Insurance just published an informative article on health insurance premiums in Colorado. Here are some answers to popular questions from Coloradans. How do Colorado's health insurance rates compare to other states? In 2009, Colorado's health insurance premiums ranked 26th in the country. Colorado's health insurance market is one
- [2 New Tools to Help Small Business Groups](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2-tools-small-business-groups/) - October 4th, 2010 - Today, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado introduced two tools to help small business group health insurance administrators understand and capitalize on changes brought about by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). First, Anthem introduced a new Grandfathering Decision Tool which will help small group administrators understand the impact
- [Health Reform Law Changes Begin Today](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-law-today/) - September 23rd, 2010 Denver, Colorado - Several, but not all, of the key provisions of health reform law take effect today, on the 6 month anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama on March 23rd, 2010. Most health insurance plans sold prior to March 23rd will be considered “Grandfathered” and may not
- [Anthem Gives Individual Health Policyholders $20 Million](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/anthem-individual-health-policyholders-20-million/) - September 16th, 2010 - Today, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced that it would give $20 million in rebates back to 90,000 individual health insurance policyholders in Colorado that were insured between January 1st and September 1st of 2010. There is still some discussion about the logistics of the rebate, but it appears for now
- [Town Hall Meetings on Health Care Scheduled](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/town-hall-meetings-health-care-scheduled/) - September 16th, 2010 - When Nancy Pelosi said, "We had to pass the bill so we could find out what's in it," she told the truth. On September 30th and October 1st, there will be a series of Town Hall Meetings to discuss the effects and consequences of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- [New Mandates on Preventive Care](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/mandates-preventive-care/) - August 25th, 2010 - As part of the national Health Care Reform, new health insurance plans with effective dates on or after September 23, 2010, are supposed to cover the following preventive services without a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible, when these services are delivered by a network provider. Covered preventive screenings for adults Abdominal aortic aneurysm one-time screening for
- [Insurance Changes on September 23rd](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/september-23rd/) - July 26th, 2010 - On September 23rd we'll see some significant changes that will add benefits to new plans with effective dates on or after September 23rd. Starting on September 23rd, 2010: Children under the age of 19 can no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. However, it is my understanding that children can be
- [Grandfathered Insurance Plans - Oldies But Goodies](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/grandfathered-insurance-plans-oldies-goodies/) - July 22nd, 2010 - If you have an individual health insurance plan that went into effect before March 23rd, 2010 you may enjoy some money saving advantages, as compared to newer plans. Plans sold after March 23rd, 2010 are subject to additional premium increases from new mandated benefits required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed
- [COBRA Subsidies Not Extended by Feds](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra-subsidies-extended/) - July 21st, 2010 - According to the Kaiser Health News, the US Senate voted 60-40 to extend jobless benefits for people who have been out of work for 6 months or more. However, it appears COBRA subsidies that pay up to 65 percent of COBRA health insurance premiums will not be extended again. The COBRA subsidy was part of last year’s
- [New Plan for Uninsured, Who Were Denied Coverage](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/plan-uninsured-denied-coverage/) - July 6th, 2010 - Today, new insurance plan is available to US citizens who have been uninsured for 6 months or more AND were denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. The new federally sponsored program, "Getting Us Covered" is run by CoverColorado, Colorado's high risk insurance pool. Getting Us Covered's premiums for individuals will range from $115 to $806
- [Urgent Care vs ER Visits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/urgent-care-er-visits/) - July 2nd, 2010 - July 4th is a wonderful holiday to celebrate our nation's founding with family outings, barbecues and fireworks. However, sometimes someone can feel ill over the 3 day weekend or be injured. In the event of a serious injury or illness or anything that might be at all life threatening, by all means go
- [Colorado's Maternity Coverage Mandate Starts in 2011](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-insurance-maternity-mandate-pregnant/) - June 11th, 2010 - Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed 8 health related bills into law, including a new measure that will require all individual health insurance policies to include coverage for contraception and pregnancy. The new law takes effect on January 1st, 2011 and shall apply to health insurance policies issued on or after January
- [Health Reform Overhaul Timeline](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-overhaul-timeline/) - June 4th, 2010 - While there is still some confusion, both on the part of both the government and private industry, as to when and how the major provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will take effect, here are the most current time lines: September 23rd, 2010 · Children can stay on parents' health plans
- [Small Business Timeline for Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/small-business-timeline-health-reform/) - April 30th, 2010 - Health reform will have an effect on every American. Small businesses, in particular, will feel the effect of the Health Reform law; otherwise known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). While many small business owners are concerned about health reform, not all the changes will be bad for them. In 2011,
- [New Tax Credit for Small Groups in 2010](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tax-credit-small-groups-2010/) - April 22nd, 2010 - There is good news for small companies that offer health insurance to employees. The IRS just released information about the new small business health care tax credit for 2010. The tax credit is a provision of the landmark Health Care Reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The new tax credit is designed to encourage small groups to
- [COBRA Subsidy Extension Update](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra-subsidy-extension-update/) - April 12th, 2010 - COBRA is a Federal Act that allows most employees of firms with 20 or more employees that were covered by an Employer Sponsored Health Insurance plan to continue those benefits, generally for up to 18 months after a separation of employment. In Colorado, we also have State Continuation Benefits which offer nearly identical
- [What Health Reform Means to Coloradans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/what-health-reform-means-colorado/) - March 31st, 2010 - There has been a great deal of confusion about how the new Health Reform Law impacts people in Colorado. This article explains in plain English how the new law will effect you and when. The new health reform law signed into law by President Obama makes a number of changes, the most
- [President Signs Health Care Reconciliation Act Into Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/house-passes-fixer-bill/) - March 24th, 2010 - Yesterday President Obama signed the Health Care Reconciliation Act into law. Earlier this week the House voted 220-207 to give final approval to the Reconciliation Act that approves the House Democrats' desired changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The PPACA Health Reform Bill was signed into law by President Obama
- [New Health Reform Law & What Changes Happen When](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/house-passes-health-reform-bill/) - March 22nd, 2014 - Last night members of Congress voted 219-212 to pass the Senate's Health Reform bill. No Republicans voted for the historic bill and 34 Democrats voted against it. After approving the bill, the House passed a package of changes to the Senate's bill. Democrats in the Senate will pass the bill using a
- [Majority Polled are Against Health Bill. Health Bill Gains Momentum](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/poll-shows-majority-current-health-bill-matter/) - March 19th, 2010 - While elected officials are often accused of letting polls determine public policy when it comes to Health Reform that does not seem to be the case. A new NBC News/WSJ poll shows that 48% of Americans oppose the current health care legislation vs. 36% supporting the health reform bill. The new March 2010
- [Procedural Rules May Impact Fate of Health Care Bill](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/procedural-rules-impact-fate-health-care-bill/) - March 15th, 2010 - Today, members of the House Budget Committee voted 21-16 to use the Reconciliation Act to try to pass the Senate's health care bill into law and then modify it using budget reconciliation. All Republicans and 2 Democrats voted against it. Democrats are forced to use the budget reconciliation process because Senate rules
- [COBRA Premium Subsidies Extended to Those Laid Off in March](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra-extension-march/) - March 4th, 2010 - On Tuesday night President Obama signed into law a 31 day extension of federal subsidies of COBRA health care premiums. This means that the 65%, 15-month premium subsidy for laid-off workers is extended to those involuntarily terminated from March 1 through March 31. Otherwise, people laid off after February 28th would have
- [Obama Outlines New Health Reform Bill](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obama-outlines-health-reform-bill/) - March 3rd, 2010 - This afternoon President Obama unveiled his new Health Reform Bill that he hopes to get approved by Congress and then force through the Senate using a process known as reconciliation. However, controversial provisions concerning abortion threaten to stall the bill in the House. The bill will cut Medicare Advantage to help fund the nearly $1 trillion expansion of
- [A Teachable Moment for Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/teachable-moment-health-reform/) - March 3rd, 2010 - Angela Braly, CEO of Wellpoint, Inc. has been quite busy the last few weeks. Since Anthem of California announced rate hikes on individual plans that were as high as 39% for certain age bands on specific plans, Braly has been busy explaning and defending the rate increases to the public and
- [Democrats Gamble on New Bill](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/democrats-gamble-bill/) - March 2nd, 2010 - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on ABC's "This Week" TV show that Democrats will develop a new health bill that will merge the House and Senate bills into a compromise that she thinks she can sell to both the House and the Senate. Pelosi thinks this can be accomplished in a
- [Democrats Try to Push On with Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/democrats-push-health-reform/) - March 1st, 2010 - After Thursday's televised Health Care Summit that brought together leaders from Democrats and Republicans, it appears that the Democrats are ignoring the Republicans request to draft a better Health Reform Bill and will press forward with a their rather unpopular Health Reform Bill. 59% of voters polled say President Obama should
- [Rate Hikes Signal That Reform is Needed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/rate-hikes-signal-time-change/) - February 26th, 2010 - Anthem of California's proposed rate hike that averaged 25% and was as high as of up to 39% for some has proven to be a lightening rod for the health care debate. Both Democrats and Republicans understand that these types of rate hikes are not sustainable year after year. But what
- [Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/bipartisan-meeting-health-reform/) - February 25th, 2010 - Today House and Senate Democrats and Republicans met today to discuss the future of health care legislation. The lawmakers were all on the best behavior and while there was a fair amount of political posturing, there was also some sincerity in looking for some common ground. The real question is if President
- [Is Health Reform Driving Rate Increases?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-rate-increase/) - February 18th, 2010 - There is been a tremendous amount of publicity about a rate increase announced by Wellpoint's business unit, Anthem Blue Cross of California. President Obama's administration was quick to attack the proposed rate increase of up to 39% on nearly 700,000 individual health insurance customers in California. "The reform before Congress ...
- [Common Sense on Health Reform from CEO](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/common-sense-health-reform-wellpoints-ceo/) - February 6th, 2010 - WellPoint is the parent company for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado. I read this article based on an interview with WellPoint's CEO in the Wall Street Journal and was struck by how honest and sensible it was. The only hope for health care reform that cuts costs without diminishing quality is for the
- [COBRA/Continuation Subsidy Extension Update ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobracontinuation-subsidy-extension-update/) - February 4th, 2010 - December 17th of last year President Obama signed an extension of the COBRA subsidy program. This program provides for a federal subsidy of 65 percent of the COBRA continuation coverage premiums for qualified beneficiaries receiving COBRA or Colorado State continuation coverage due to involuntary termination of employment between September 1, 2008, and December 31,
- [HealthOne's Parent, HCA Pays $1.75 Billion Dividend](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/healthone-hca-pays-billion-dollar-dividend/) - February 2nd, 2010 - Yesterday the Wall Street Journal reported that HCA, Inc. is paying its private equity owners a $1.75 Billion dividend. While HCA is hardly a household name, they are the nation's largest hospital operator. In Colorado, HCA's HealthONE affilate brand is the largest health care system in the metro Denver area. HealthONE includes the Medical Center
- [Medical Marijuana and Health Insurance in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medical-marijuana-health-insurance-colorado/) - January 29th, 2010 - Don't let this happen to you. A client applies for health insurance and gets declined. Why, he asked? Upon doing some research we learned that he was declined for a few specific medical conditions. When we told the client this he responded, "That's what I told the doctor so I could get
- [Health Reform Turned Upside Down](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-turned-upside/) - January 22nd, 2010 - The entire complexion of the health reform movement changed with Tuesday's surprise election of Republican Scott Brown, taking away the 60th vote needed by Democrats to push through their health reform bill. The fact that a Republican won former Senator Teddy Kennedy's Senate seat in the liberal state of Massachusetts sent
- [Health Reform Update - Jan 15th, 2010](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-update-jan-15th-2010/) - January 15th, 2010 - The negotiations are underway between the Democratic House and Senate leaders. This week, members of the House returned to Washington to work out the details of the proposed health care reform package. Senate lawmakers are scheduled to return to Washington next week. President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders met this week
- [Senate Approves Health Reform Amendment](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/senate-approves-health-reform-amendment/) - December 22nd, 2009 - The United States Senate voted 60-39 to approve an amendment to H.R. 3590, the Senate health bill, and to protect the bill from a Republican filibuster. The 383-page Reid-Baucus-Dodd-Harkin amendment, Senate Amendment 3276 would make many major changes to the underlying Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act bill, including replacing a proposed
- [House Passes COBRA Subsidy Extension](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/house-passes-cobra-subsidies-extension/) - December 18th, 2009 - The US House of Representatives passed bills that included an extension of COBRA health insurance subsidies for Americans who have lost their jobs. Next up is the Senate, who is expected to act quickly before the COBRA premium subsidy program expires at the end of the year. The COBRA premium subsidy program was created under the
- [Senate Scraps Public Option & Medicare Expansion](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/senate-scraps-public-option/) - December 16th, 2009 - After a frenzy of political deal making, Democratic leaders in the US Senate agreed to scrap both the controversial public plan option and a new amendment that would have opened up Medicare to people aged 55-64. It now appears that the Democrats will have enough support to win the 60 votes needed to
- [Public Option Nixed in New Compromise](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/senate-abandons-public-option/) - December 9th, 2009 - Last night Senator Harry Reid announced that a group of 5 liberal and 5 moderate Democratic Senators reached a compromise in which the controversial public plan option would be abandoned. Replacing the public plan option would be a new national plan administered by the government's Office of Personnel Management, but run by nonprofit
- [Health Reform's Impact on People that Buy Their Own Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reforms-impact-people-buy-insurance/) - December 4th, 2009 - According to the Wall Street Journal, the Congressional Budget Office's study of how the Democrat's Senate bill will affect insurance costs found that premiums in the individual market will rise by 10% to 13% more than if Congress did nothing. Family policies under the status quo are projected to cost $13,100
- [Senate and House Bills Compared](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/senate-house-bills-compared/) - November 19th, 2009 - Now that the Senate has introduced its proposed health care bill it is time to compare the Senate and House bills. Please note that while the House bill has passed, the Senate bill has not even made it to a floor debate, much less a vote. There are serious concerns that the
- [Senate Bill Closer But May Not Have the Votes](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/senate-bill-closer-votes/) - November 17th, 2009 - Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, of Nevada said that the Democrats in the Senate are close to having their bill completed and that all the Senate Democrats will support the new bill. Senator Reid was non-committal when asked if he would have the 60 votes needed to pass the bill in the
- [House Bill Fails to Properly Address Health Care's Rising Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/house-bill-fails-properly-address-rising-costs/) - November 10th, 2009 - By a vote of 220 to 215, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi narrowly won approval for House Bill HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The House Democrats needed 218 votes to pass their bill and won by such a narrow margin due to detractors within their own party and near
- [Health Reform Update - Nov 6th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-update-november-6th/) - November 6th, 2009 - As of noon today, Colorado time, it appears the House does not have the votes to approve their merged bill tomorrow, as planned. According to House majority leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the vote may not happen until Sunday or early next week. I was pleased to see that the
- [Health Reform Update - Oct 30th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-update-oct-30th/) - October 30th, 2009 - It was another busy week on the Health Reform front as the Sentate Bill prepares to go into floor debate next week. It is expected that this may take anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that the health care reform package from the
- [Don't Shoot the Messenger](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-bad-individual-plans/) - October 23rd, 2009 - There's an old adage, "Don't shoot the messenger." In this case the messenger is the insurance companies who have been delivering the bad news that health costs are out of control in the form of ever increasing health insurance premiums. Rather than addressing the problem of skyrocketing health care costs, our
- [Public's Worries About Health Reform on Increase](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/worries-losing-coverage-increase/) - October 20th, 2009 - According to a new study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Americans have conflicting views on whether a health reform overhaul will help matters, make them worse or leave things about the same. One-third of all Americans are worried about losing their current health insurance coverage. 55 percent of the Americans
- [Health Plan Passes Test](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-plan-passes-test/) - October 14th, 2009 - Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 in favor of a ten year and $829 billion health care bill. Republican Senator Olympia Snow of Maine was the sole Republican that voted in favor of the bill, joining the 13 Democrats in the Committee. The other 9 Republicans said they could not support
- [Weekly Health Reform Wrap Up - Oct 8th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-wrap-up-oct/) - October 9th, 2009 - It was another busy week in Washington DC that was highlighted by the progress made by the Congressional Budget Office and their optimistic assessment of the costs of the Senate Bill sponsored by Senator Max Baucus of Montana that was finalized last Friday. How optimistic are the CBO calculations? I suppose that
- [Whole Foods CEO Against Public Plan](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/whole-foods-against-public-plan/) - October 5th, 2009 - In a recent Op/Ed piece Whole Foods Founder and CEO, John Mackey, took a position for personal responsibility and against government run health care. Mackey’s position is common with conservatives, but it was a bit surprising to hear this from the CEO of Whole Foods. Mr. Mackey feels that with a soaring deficit and
- [Health Reform Update](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-update-2/) - October 2nd, 2009 - It's been a busy week in the trenches for the health reform movement. This week, legislators from the Senate Finance Committee continued to draft amendments for the legislation proposed by Sen. Max Baucus. Senate Negotiations Senate Finance Committee Negotiates Amendments:After days of negotiations, Sen. Baucus indicated on Wednesday that the Senate
- [Health Debate Turns to Medicare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-debate-turns-medicare/) - September 25th, 2009 - President Obama long ago painted a big red target on the Medicare Advantage plans that he accuses of being wasteful and creating a windfall for insurance companies while delivering little value to consumers. Now, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is proposing to cut more than $100 billion over 10 years
- [Baucus Introduces New Health Bill](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/baucus-introduces-health-bill/) - September 16th, 2009 - After a year of work, Senator Max Baucus of Montana introduced a new 226 page proposal for Health Reform that meets many President Obama's requirements. The plan would cover 29 million uninsured Americans and would cost $856 billion according to their press release. Although not yet endorsed by any Republicans, it
- [Fact Checking the President's Speech on Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/fact-checking-president-speech-health-reform/) - September 15th, 2009 - Last week President Obama gave a well publicized speech in which he made a number of troubling accusations against the health insurance industry. With my years of health insurance industry experience, I was shocked to the point of disbelief by some of misdeeds that President Obama accused the insurance industry of. While no company is perfect, when problems have been brought to light
- [Industry Response to Obama Speech](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/industry-response-obama-speech/) - September 11th, 2009 - President Obama's speech to Congress on Health Reform on September 9th energized his fellow Democrats, but polarized some Republicans. His speech highlighted "must have" legislation and also indicated some flexibility on the controversial government run health care program. Some of the key points of President Obama's speech included guarantee issue health insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions, individual mandates for
- [Health Care Reform vs Health Insurance Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-care-reform-health-insurance-reform/) - September 3rd, 2009 - Last month President Obama made a subtle but significant shift in the language describing their health reform efforts. Previously, President Obama spoke of "Health Care Reform" that included a transformation of America’s out of control health care system to rein in the rapidly escalating costs that have driven up health insurance premiums. However,
- [Poor Diagnosis for Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/poor-diagnosis-health-reform/) - September 2nd, 2009 - As vocal grassroots protesters and mainstream America spoke out against Health Care reform, the tide has shifted against the current iteration of Health Care reform. American voters, by a 55 to 35 percent margin, are worried that Congress will spend too much money and add to the deficit, according to a
- [Insurance Industry Responds to Attacks](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/insurance-industry-responds-attacks/) - August 10th, 2009 - Karen Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans, responded to the accusations of villainy the insurance industry has been facing from President Obama and a few members of Congress. America's Health Insurance Plans is a health insurance industry trade group that has been active in trying to shape a sensible plan for health
- [30 Seconds on Reforming Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/30-seconds-reforming-health-reform/) - August 4th, 2009 - Let's hope that our elected officials do what is in the public's best interest, rather than stooping to a massive government power grab. We don't need government to take over health care, but the public does need better regulation of the insurance industry to offer care to all regardless of pre-existing
- [Public Plan Progresses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/public-plan-progresses/) - July 31st, 2009 - Yesterday the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 35 to 24, in favor of establishing a government run health insurance plan.. Democrats defeated a Republican effort to eliminate a section of the bill that would create the public health insurance option. Conservatives are concerned the public plan would lead slowly but inevitably to
- [What Health Insurance Reform Means for You](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-reform-means/) - July 29th, 2009 - Today, I received an email from President Barack Obama titled, "What health insurance reform means for you." In it he proposes guaranteeing health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections: No discrimination for pre-existing conditions No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays No cost-sharing for preventive care No dropping
- [Health Reform Stalls](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-stalls/) - July 23rd, 2009 - Last night President Barack Obama had a press conference in which he tried to explain why he was trying to rush the Health Reform bills through Congress and the Senate before their August recess. This morning Senate Democrats said that just wasn't going to happen. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., responded
- [Health Reform Hits Major Snag](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-hits-major-snag/) - July 10th, 2009 - Yesterday 40 "Blue Dog" Democrats signed a letter expressing opposition to the current draft of the health insurance reform bill under consideration in Congress. In the letter the conservative Democrats clearly stated that they did not want a government run health plan that would be based on Medicare type rates. Many people
- [Coming Up Short](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/coming-short/) - July 9th, 2009 - Montana Senator Max Baucaus said that his Health Reform proposal is coming up $320 billion short in funding for the next 10 years. He went on to say that nothing was off the table, including the taxation of employee benefits. He claims the other funding will come in savings from Medicare,
- [Health Reform Update](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reform-update/) - July 1st, 2009 - July 4th with its fireworks displays and Colorado Rockies home game is right around the corner, so you may be wondering what happened to the Health Reform Bill that Congress was to be done by the end of June. Congresses initial draft of the $1.9 trillion proposed health care legislation has been delayed until
- [Obama Speaks on Health Reform on ABC's Primetime ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/obama-health-reform-prime-time/) - June 25th, 2009 - Yesterday President Barrack Obama appeared on ABC's Primetime and Nightline to discuss his Health Reform proposals in a "Town Hall" type format where he responded to questions from the public, industry insiders and the head of the American Medical Association. While some opponents feared this would be a 1 hour infomercial for
- [Patients'  Choice Act](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/patients-choice-act/) - June 19th, 2009 - The Patients' Choice Act is the Republican response to the Democrat's various proposals for Health Reform legislation. The Patients' Choice Act would provide a tax rebate of $$2,200 to individuals and $5,700 to families to help make health insurance more affordable. It will also make health insurance portable so people won't feel locked into
- [The Public Health Care Plan Problem](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/public-health-care-plan/) - June 15th, 2009 - At the center of the health reform debate is something called a government-backed insurance plan, called the Public Health Care Plan. President Obama and supporters of a the Public Health Care Plan say it is required to keep private insurance companies honest and to help keep their rates low. However, many more
- [Safeway's Lessons Can Transform Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/healthcare-revelations-safeway/) - June 13th, 2009 - Steven Burd, CEO of Safeway, Inc. may have come up with the "secret sauce" for a triple play for health care reform in America. That is to provide health insurance for all Americans, keep it private and affordable, and improve the overall health of Americans. Safeway has 1,755 stores across America and is one
- [Slow Down and Save Money](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/slow-save-money/) - June 10th, 2009 - In this Go, Go, Go world we live in, people are almost always a hurry. But as the old saying goes sometimes haste makes waste. That is certainly true in the complex world of health insurance. According to a recent study by the American Journal of Medicine, six of of ten personal bankruptcies were at least partly
- [Daschle Pessimistic on Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/daschle-pessimistic-health-reform/) - June 3rd, 2009 - Yesterday, former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle sounded quite downbeat about the odds of meaningful health reform being passed this year. Speaking at a debate on health care, Daschle only gave 50/50 odds of a health reform bill getting signed into law this year. His comments may be very insightful,
- [Societal Costs of the Uninsured](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/costs-uninsured/) - May 29th, 2009 - We all know that is dangerous to go uninsured, which can result in both huge medical bills and reduced access to treatment. While the costs to the uninsured are fairly obvious, the societal costs of the uninsured is worth a closer look. When people that are uninsured seek treatment, many wait
- [Cost Drivers for Health Insurance Exposed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cost-drivers-health-insurance-exposed/) - May 27th, 2009 - An interesting new report from the Wellpoint Institute for Health Care Knowledge was released this week. It helps to dispel the myth that health insurance carrier profits are the culprit for rising health insurance premiums. The report draws on reputable sources like the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a study from
- [New Taxes Loom for Health Reform Bill](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/taxes-loom-health-reform-bill/) - May 20th, 2009 - On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee revealed proposed new taxes to help pay for the massive health reform bill. At the top of the list are new taxes on everything from sugary drinks to the benefits that some employees receive on their employer sponsored group health insurance benefits. The Senators are scrutizining the $194.2 billion in
- [Open Letter on Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/letter-health-refor/) - May 13th, 2009 - We need health care reform that should include: 1. Universal health care through government mandates. Give a tax break to people that buy their own health insurance. Everyone in America should have coverage. 2. Insurers should cover everyone regardless of pre-existing conditions. 3. Get employers out of the benefits business and let
- [Health Coalition to Limit Increases](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-coalition-limit-increases/) - May 11th, 2009 - On Sunday leaders of a coalition of hospitals, doctors, insurers and drug firms met and offered $2 trillion in slowed rate increases to help pay for health care reform and to help free up funds to help cover the uninsured. One official said it could save a family of four $2500
- [Free Colorado Prescription Card](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/free-prescription-discount-card/) - May 8th, 2009 - One of our missions at Colorado Health Insurance Brokers is to help our clients get the right health insurance coverage plan for their individual needs. Most people's budgets require them to balance their need for health insurance coverage with the cost of available health plans. One important component of a good quality
- [NAIC Testifies at Senate Committee](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/naic-testifies-senate-committe/) - May 7th, 2009 - Sandy Praeger, testified on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at a Senate Finance Committee on health care coverage. Praeger's testimony was focused on the soaring increases in health care spending. "Health insurance reform will not solve the problem since insurance is primarily a method of financing health care
- [Health Industry for Universal Coverage](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-industry-universal-coverage/) - May 6th, 2009 - Last year the Health insurance lobby group, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), offered to provide health insurance at the same premium to people regardless of pre-existing conditions, as part of their support of the Health Reform movement in America. Guarantee issue health insurance for all would be part of a Universal Health
- [Swine Flu - Colorado Health Alert](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/swine-flu-alert/) - April 28th, 2009 - This past weekend, the United States declared a public health emergency in response to the recent reports of swine flu. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in Atlanta: "I fully expect we will see deaths from this infection. While the Swine Flu has not
- [New Health Secretary Confirmed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-secretary-confirmed/) - April 28th, 2009 - The name Kathleen Sebelius may sound familiar to our Colorado readers, as she is Governor of neighboring Kansas. Today Governor Sebelius was confirmed as our nation's Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sebelius was the last of President Obama's cabinet nominees to be confirmed. Her confirmation met with opposition that was
- [100 Day Benchmark Approaches](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/100-day-benchmark-approaches/) - April 27th, 2009 - Wednesday, April 29th will mark President Obama's 100th day in office. Top Democrats hope to have hammered out a compromise on the proposed $3.6 Trillion Federal budget that includes funding for health care reform by Wednesday. Included in the Health Reform initiative is a requirement that everyone that can afford health
- [COBRA Subsidy Loopholes & Gotcha's](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra_loophole/) - April 23rd, 2009 - Many employers and employees are confused about the Federal Stimulus Package and means to them and how the subsidies will work. The "Stimulus Package" or "Recovery Package" are the more popular names for what is officially known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Federal Stimulus Package was signed into law
- [Health Reform: Public vs Private Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/government-run-health-insurance/) - April 20th, 2009 - While the Senate and the Congress both are working on Health Reform bills, the more liberal bill from Congress is likely to include a government run health insurance option to directly compete with private insurance plans. Not surprisingly, the health insurance lobbying group, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is adamantly opposed
- [Drug Makers, Hospitals Raise Prices](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/drug-makers-hospitals-raise-prices/) - April 16th, 2009 - In light of a turbulent economy and facing government scrutiny and regulation over ever increasing costs in the health services sector, one major hospital chain and several leading drug makers thought this would be an idea time to raise prices. HCA, Inc., one of the largest hospital owners in America and
- [Colorado Universal Health Care Bill Pulled](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-universal-health-care-bill-pulled/) - April 15th, 2009 - Today, Colorado House Representative John Kefalas of Fort Collins announced he was withdrawing House Bill 1273 from the current legislative session. Even after heavy lobbying by Rep. Kefalas, HB 1273 lacked the votes to stand any serious chance of being approved. If it had been approved it would have faced additional challenges
- [Health Reform Update: The Healthy Americans Act](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-healthy-americans-act/) - April 13th, 2009 - Senators Robert Bennett (Republican, Utah) and Ron Wyden (Democrat, Oregon) have been working on a bi-partisan plan to provide universal health care for Americans. What makes The Healthy Americans Act so interesting is that they worked hard to come up with a compromise that would meet the main objectives of both parties.
- [Squeezing Your Health Care Dollar](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/squeezing-health-care-dollars/) - April 9th, 2009 - All across Colorado, people are having to find ways to try and do more with less. Certainly with the ever increasing costs of health care services you have to be careful to avoid the pitfalls and get the most for your hard earned dollars. Here are a few tips to help
- [Resource for Colorado's Unemployed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/resource-colorados-unemployed/) - April 8th, 2009 - A group of local Colorado residents directly affected by job loss built a new web site to help others in the same situation. That web site is joblessguide.net. Joblessguide.net is a prime example of how even people facing challenging circumstances can use their knowledge and creativity to be a blessing to others.
- [Health Mandate in the Works](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-mandate-works/) - April 2nd, 2009 - Congress is working on a key piece of health insurance reform. Democratic Representative Frank Pallone, chairman of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, is a key member of Congress and said that the House bill will include an individual health coverage ownership mandate. Pallone said of the
- [Health Reform - House vs Sentate](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-house-sentate/) - March 26th, 2009 - Congress is getting ready to do battle with the Senate over whether a government run health plan will compete with private insurance companies or not. Senator Max Baucus, a Democrat from Montana, has committed to drafting a bipartisan bill, whereas the Congress seems more likely to favor the government run plan.
- [Insurance Carriers Favor Guarantee Issue Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/insurance-carriers-guarantee-issue-plans/) - March 25th, 2009 - Health insurance carriers reminded Senators of their support for guarantee issue health insurance coverage, regardless of pre-existing conditions, in conjunction with a government mandate for universal health care for all Americans. Karen Ignagni, President of the health insurance industry lobbying group, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), presented AHIP's health reform proposal
- [What Americans Want from Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/americans-health-reform/) - March 24th, 2009 - Here in Colorado, people tend to have an independent spirit when it comes to government. We all have different ideas of what government's primary role should be, so this recent study from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions provided some interesting insights as to what the majority of Americans want from
- [Health Reform Takes Unilateral Slant](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-reform-takes-unilateral-slant/) - March 21st, 2009 - House Democrats are wielding their majority power, giving their Republican counterparts until September to reach a compromise on health care reform legislation. Should the Republicans not be willing to play ball, House Democrats are prepared to present the bill under budget reconciliation. Under budget reconciliation this would protect the health care
- [Pre-Existing Medical Conditions](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/preexisting-medical-conditions/) - March 13th, 2009 - Our clients often ask what types of injuries or illnesses would be considered a pre-existing medical condition under our carriers' individual health insurance plans. The answer is that when you apply for an individual health insurance plan you will be asked to disclose anything that you have been treated for during the review period
- [Colorado Maternity Insurance Primer](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-maternity-insurance-primer/) - March 12th, 2009 - They say that "timing is everything" and when it comes to maternity insurance coverage that is certainly true. People that get their health insurance through an employer often take maternity coverage for granted. However, in the individual health insurance market consumers quickly learn that quality maternity benefits are the exception and
- [Obama’s Health Summit:  What it Means to You](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/obama’s-health-summit/) - March 7th, 2009 - On Thursday March 5th, 2009 President Barack Obama hosted the Whitehouse Forum on Health Reform. Obama’s Health Reform Forum signals that in spite of economic downturn he is serious about trying to make some meaningful changes and also that he is smart enough to learn from past mistakes by inviting all
- [The Health Care Solution](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-care-solution/) - March 5th, 2009 - The health care system we have today does not work as well as it should for anyone. While reform is a given, in order to make sure we go down the right path we need to be sure the solution we come up with employs the proper balance of free markets
- [Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-healthcare-affordability-act/) - March 3rd, 2009 - Colorado Govenor Bill Ritter is proposing a new plan that would provide health coverage to as many as 100,000 Coloradans without insurance. The Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act (House Bill 1293) would collect $600 million for the program through fees imposed on hospitals and then $600 million in additonal matching money from
- [Obama's New Health Team](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/obamas-health-team/) - After following through with nominating Govenor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas to be secretary of health and human services, President Obama also announced the appointment of Nancy-Ann DeParle as counselor to the president and director of the White House Office for Health Reform. Kathleen Sebelius appears to be an excellent choice as she is battle tested
- [Colorado’s Rocky Mountain News Stops the Presses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-rocky-mountain-news-closes/) - Today, the 220 remaining employees of the Rocky Mountain News received confirmation of their worst fears. The Rocky Mountain News is being shut down, after owner EW Scripps Co. was unable to find a buyer for the nearly 150 year old newspaper. Colorado, like most of the country, has experienced more than its fair share
- [Taxes, the Nation’s Budget and Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/taxes-nations-budget-health-reform/) - The first phase of President Obama’s health services reform is on the table. A combination of $318 Billion in tax increases and $316 Billion in savings from changes to Medicare Advantage programs and other health care services, puts a $634 Billon dollar “down payment” on a health reform movement that President Obama and congressional democrats
- [Health Insurance and Mr Obama Goes to Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-obama-colorado/) - Today, President Obama will come to Denver, Colorado to sign the new $787 billion Economic Stimulus Bill into law. While the majority of the bill is focused on infrastructure and other items to help jump start the economy, there were a few health insurance related items that made it through the final cut. COBRA benefits
- [Health Cabinet Nominee Withdraws](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-cabinet-nominee-withdraws/) - Former Senator Tom Daschle withdrew himself from consideration as Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as for the White House’s “Health Care Czar” job today. While his $140,000 in back taxes were a concern, Daschle’s $5 million in earnings after leaving the Senate raised more than one eyebrow, as Daschle
- [Daschle Top Pic for Health Czar](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/daschle-top-pic-health-czar/) - It is official. President-elect Barack Obama is naming former South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle as his Secretary of Heath and Human Services. The goal is somewhat daunting; to secure “affordable, accessible health care for every single American.” To Obama’s credit he said that even in the midst of our current economic emergency that “This is
- [Colorado's Ski Towns Get Health Insurance Rate Relief](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-ski-towns-rate-relief/) - June 3rd, 2014 - Last February, a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation said that Colorado's "resort region" had the highest insurance rates in the entire country. Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin & Summit Counties make up of the four "resort region" counties nearest to Aspen and Vail. Although the region’s residents generally are very fit and have fewer
- [Report on ObamaCare Enrollees Released](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/report-obamacare-enrollees-released/) - May 2nd, 2014 - According to an article in Businessweek magazine, new data released yesterday by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sheds new light on how many of the new enrollees in ObamaCare were previously uninsured. The report surmises the inaugural open enrollment period that ran from Oct 1, 2014 through April,
- [Open Enrollment Closed. Now What?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-closed/) - April 16th, 2014 - Open enrollment both on and off the exchange closed on April 15th and will not re-open until November 15th, 2014. People who are still waiting for a Medicaid Determination can still enroll through May 31st. After April 15th, people may be able to shop for a new plan or change their existing plan if they have a qualifying event.
- [Open Enrollment Closing - Rules and Exceptions](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/open-enrollment-closing-rules-exceptions/) - March 26th, 2014 - While open enrollment will still close on March 31st, the White House is giving an extension for people "who start the enrollment process" by March 31st. News reports say the extension would allow Americans who do not meet the March 31 deadline to simply indicate that they had been trying but were unable to complete
- [Colorado's Open Enrollment Ends March 31st](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-open-enrollment-ends-march-31/) - March 1st, 2014 - In just 4 weeks, open enrollment season ends for individual and family health insurance plans. After March 31st, people who buy their own health insurance will no longer be able to purchase Affordable Care Act compliant health insurance, either inside or outside of the health insurance exchange until Open Enrollment reopens
- [Study Finds Colorado Ski Towns Have Highest Premiums In US](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-ski-towns-highest-premiums-in-us/) - February 3rd, 2014 - While Colorado has traditionally ranked as one of most fit and least obese states in the country, if you live in one of Colorado's ski resort towns you may pay the highest marketplace rates for health insurance in the nation. According to the study published today by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Colorado Mountain
- [2014 Enrollment Update and Deadlines ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2014-enrollment-deadline/) - January 4th, 2014 - Connect for Health Colorado reported that Medicaid and private insurance plans through the exchange reached over 138,000 Coloradans between it's opening on October 1st and the end of 2013. Of those 138,000 enrollees, 52,773 enrolled in private insurance and 83,432 enrolled in the new expanded Medicaid programs. If you applied for
- [ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers in Colorado and U.S.](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/obamacare-enrollment-numbers/) - November 13th, 2013 - According to local news sources 250,000 Colorado policies will be cancelled, most of those due to ObamaCare. In contrast, reports show that 3,408 Coloradans have enrolled in plans through Connect for Health Colorado so far. Nationally, 106,000 people enrolled through federal and state based insurance exchanges during October. A person on
- [Healthcare Cost Gouging Exposed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-care-cost-gouging-exposed/) - March 1st, 2013 - People often ask how can healthcare possibly cost as much as it does. If you ever wanted to know how simple lab work done over a few days in the hospital can cost more than a car or maybe how a trip to the emergency room for chest pains that turn
- [MRI's Sometimes Cause More Harm than Good for Athletes](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/mris-harm-good-athletes/) - March 21st, 2012 - Each year over 28 million MRI's are performed in the US. The typical cost for an MRI is $1700 plus $240 for someone to review the data, so providers stand to make nearly $2000 per scan. The cost of an MRI machine ranges from $300 to $1 million and some doctors
- [Connect for Health Colorado Releases Early Numbers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/connect-health-colorado-early-numbers/) - October 17th, 2013 - This week Colorado's new exchange released how many people signed up for health insurance using Colorado's new exchange. According to an article in the Denver Post, "Officials with Connect For Health Colorado said 226 people have signed up for insurance using the exchange, for a total of 305 people getting coverage. That's the
- [CoverColorado Closing in January ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/covercolorado-closing-january/) - September 3rd, 2013 - In Colorado, over 14,000 people have coverage through CoverColorado. CoverColorado is Colorado's high risk pool that insures people with difficult to insure health conditions. Founded in 1991, CoverColorado operates as a non-profit organization. With ObamaCare, starting on January 1st, 2014, no one can be denied insurance because of a health condition, so there
- [Marketing for Colorado's Exchange Underway](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/marketing-colorados-exchange-underway/) - August 9th, 2013 - You may have seen the new television ads promoting Connect for Health Colorado, Colorado's new health insurance exchange. Connect for Health Colorado has received about $180 million in federal money and is to be up and running by Oct. 1st. "Contractors have almost completed work on the portal," said Patty Fontneau,
- [2014 Plans to Require "Essential Health Benefits"](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/2014-health-plans-essential-health-benefits/) - July 15th, 2013 - Most people know that starting on January 1st, 2014 the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that health insurance companies must provide insurance to people regardless of any pre-existing health conditions. However, the ACA has some additional requirements that will shape what those new health insurance policies will look like. Starting on
- [Many Americans Not "In the Know" About Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aca-obamacare/) - May 1st, 2013 - According to a new poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, 42% of Americans do not know that the Affordable Care Act (aka "ObamaCare") is law. In fact, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama on March 23rd, 2010. 12% of Americans wrongly think it was repealed by Congress,
- [9Health Fair: March 16th - May 5th, 2013](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/9health-fair-march-may-2013/) - February 17th, 2013 - The 2013 9News Health Fair is coming to 140 locations across Colorado starting on March 16th and running through May 5th. The 9News Health Fair will serve over 90,000 people across Colorado. This annual event has become a favorite for people looking to get fairly comprehensive lab work done at a fraction of what it might cost
- [9 News Health Fair April 18th - 26th](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/9-news-health-fair/) - Please follow this link for the 2013 9 News Health Fair Info The 2009 9 News Health Fair is coming to locations across Colorado April 18th-26th. This annual event has become a favorite for people looking to get fairly comprehensive lab work done at a fraction of what it might cost elsewhere. Many of our clients
- [Smokers May Face Stiff Financial Penalities](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/smokers-penalties/) - January 25th, 2013 - Being healthy pays off in many ways. If you get insurance through an employer, it will start paying in cash money. On the other hand if you smoke or are overweight changes to the Affordable Care Act could cost you thousands of dollars in increased health insurance premiums. A finance committe ruling says that employers
- [Rate Increase Denied by Colorado Division of Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/rate-increase-denied-colorado-division-insurance/) - December 3rd, 2012 - Colorado's Division of Insurance rejected a rate increase request by Cigna that included a 31% increase in premium for 4 of Colorado's mountain counties. The steep boost was "extremely high compared to other carriers," said Tom Abel, supervisor of rate reviews for the Colorado's Division of Insurance. "They didn't support anything.
- [Colorado Gets $43 Million from Feds](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-43-million-feds/) - September 27th, 2012 - The Department of Health and Human Services gave Colorado an additional $43 million for Colorado's new health insurance benefits exchange, which is slated to come online on January 1st, 2014. In February, Colorado previously received $18 million from the Federal Government as part of "Obamacare" or the Affordable Care Act. Before that
- [ACA Changes for Women’s Preventive Services Begin Aug 1st](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aca-womens-preventive-services-august-1st/) - July 20th, 2012 - According to the Affordable Care Act, for plans effective on or after August 1, 2012, non-grandfathered group and individual health insurance plans are required to cover women’s preventive services without cost sharing. Services for women include: • Well-woman visits • Screening for gestational diabetes • Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) • Counseling for sexually
- [Anthem Introduces new Cost Estimator Tool](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/anthem-introduces-cost-estimator-tool/) - July 2nd, 2012 - Understanding out of pocket costs for procedures is something people have wanted for a long time. Anthem now makes this amazingly easy with their new web tool that can estimate Anthem Member's out-of-pocket cost for a procedure based on their specific plan. Watch the video to see how it works:
- [Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/supreme-court-upholds-affordable-care-act/) - June 28th, 2012 - Today in a 5-4 decision the United States Supreme Court upheld President Obama's healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act. “The highest court in the land has now spoken,” Obama said. “What we won’t do, what the country can’t afford to do, is re-fight the political battles of two years ago or
- [9Health Fairs Running Through Mid-May](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/9health-fairs-running-midmay/) - April 25th, 2012 - The 9News Health Fair is coming to locations across Colorado from now through mid-May and is expected to serve over 85,000 people across Colorado. You can call their hotline at 303-698-3799 or 800-332-3078 to find locations. This annual event has become a favorite for people looking to get fairly comprehensive lab work
- [New "Labeling" Rule to Make Health Insurance Easier to Understand](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/rule-health-insurance-easier-understand/) - February 14th, 2012 - Confused by Colorado's hundreds of different health insurance policies? Almost everyone is. In fact, we literally have rocket scientist and PhD's in their respective fields that are equally baffled by health insurance. As Insurance Brokers a big part of our job is helping people understand the policy options and to get
- [Colorado High Risk Pool Claims Rate Double National Average](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-high-risk-pool-claims-rate-double-national-average/) - January 16th, 2012 - According to the DenverPost, Colorado's high risk health insurance pool, administered by Rocky Mountain Health Plans, took in premiums of $1.4 million, had administrative costs of $1.5 million and had $21.7 million in claims. This is double the national average for high risk insurance pools. An report on high risk insurance
- [Kaiser Plans Expansion Into Northern Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/kaiser-plans-expansion-northern-colorado/) - December 13th, 2011 - Today, Kaiser Permanente formally announced that it plans to offer health insurance and provide care in Northern Colorado. Kaiser said they filed these plans yesterday with the Colorado Division of Insurance. Beginning in late 2012, Kaiser will open medical offices in Loveland, Fort Collins and Greeley. Kaiser will have a contracted network of
- [November is National Entrepreneurship Month](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/november-national-entrepreneurship-month/) - November 3rd, 2011 - Thanksgiving may be the first thing you think of when you think of November, but the Small Business Administration reminds us that it is also National Entrepreneurship Month. This is a wonderful time to thank entrepreneurs, who take risks in pursuit of the American Dream and fuel our economy. While many of us think of entrepreneurs
- [Republicans Feel Healthcare Law Can Be Repealed](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/republicans-feel-healthcare-law-repealed/) - October 18th, 2011 - Republican lawmakers feel that after next year's election they can not only retake the White House, but also garner enough political muscle in both the Senate and House to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) signed into law by President Obama last year. The big question remains, what
- [Colorado Health Insurance Webinar Tonight](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-health-insurance-webinar-tonight/) - October 11th, 2011 - Colorado Insurance Commissioner Jim Riesberg will be giving a one hour webinar tonight about changes in health insurance coverage at 6:30 p.m. tonight. Entitled "Are You Prepared for the Changes Ahead in Health Insurance?," the webinar will discuss what drives the cost of health insurance premiums, updates on federal health care reform,
- [Aetna Pulls Out of Colorado's Individual Health Insurance Market](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/aetna-pulls-individual-market-colorado/) - On February 1st, 2011 Aetna announced that they will no longer sell new health insurance policies to individuals in Colorado, saying it cannot be competitive in the state. Aetna will continue to service its existing individual health-insurance policies in Colorado until they come up for renewal. After that, it will renew existing policies for 12 to 18
- [IRS Changes to HSA's for 2011](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/irs-hsas-2011/) - The new year is bringing a change to the way Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) are treated by the IRS. Starting on January 1, 2011, the IRS will require a doctor’s prescription in order to use HSA funds for most over-the-counter medications purchased on or after January 1st. However, some things, like insulin and diabetic supplies, will not require a prescription.
- [Health Insurance Executives Agree that Reform is Inevitable](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-executives-agree-reform-inevitable/) - November 12th, 2010 Company leaders from both Aetna and Cigna have gone on record saying they will not support Republican efforts in the house to slow implementation of or repeal the new healthcare reform law. “We can't go back. We need to keep moving forward,” said Mark Bertolini, president of Aetna, Hartford, in comments at
- [HSA Changes of Note for 2011](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/hsa-note-2011/) - Starting on January 1st, 2011 Health Savings Accounts may no longer be used for over the counter medications with a doctor's prescription. The doctor must also reside in the state where the medicine or drugs are purchased. This change takes place on January 1st, 2011 for all new and existing Health Savings Accounts. Also, penalties
- [8 Tips to Avoid Painful Medical Mistakes](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/8-tips-avoid-painful-medical-errors/) - How to reduce the risk of dangerous and often painful medical errors: Be involved with your own care. This means asking questions! Patients who are more involved with their own care tend to have better results so get involved! Be sure ALL providers know ALL the prescriptions, over the counter medicines and supplements you are taking. Be
- [Moody's Predicts Mergers of Small Insurers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/moodys-predicts-mergers-small-insurers/) - Moody's, the well known rating agency, said that healthcare reform will drive smaller health insurance companies to merge and consolidate. Health insurance reform is pressuring companies to reduce administrative costs in response to new minimum loss ratios, that are to take effect on January 1st, 2011. “Small, local and regional healthcare insurers will find meeting
- [Video: Welcome to Colorado Health Insurance Brokers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/video-mark-erickson/) - Individulals and familes can choose from instant online quotes or have us prepare a personalized quote that we’ll email to you so you can review it at your convenience. We're also happy to help with business health insurance quotes so you can offer valuable benefits to your company's employees.
- [Video on Grandfathered Health Insurance Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/video-grandfathered-health-insurance-plans/) - Watch this consumer friendly video from Assurant Health that explains the Grandfathered Status for individual health insurance plans in just 6 minutes. While it speaks of Assurant Health, the general statements should hold true for any of the individual health insurance plans in Colorado. Follow the link to read more about Grandfathered Health Insurance plans.
- [HSA Update from Feds - Few Changes for 2011](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/hsa-update-feds-2011/) - Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits will be unchanged in 2011, staying at the same levels as 2010. This is the first year since HSA's were created where there was no change. Since the Consumer Price Index has been relatively flat due to the economy there was no need for a change. Individuals for 2010 and 2011
- [New Cost Saving Tool for Anthem Members](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cost-saving-tool-anthem-members/) - People "in the know" understand that costs for medical procedures can vary wildly from one provider to another, even in the same area. In metro Denver, an MRI of the spine can cost $370 from one provider and $4,319 from another. That is a difference of nearly $4,000! Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield just announced
- [Colorado Maternity Mandate Inches Forward](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/maternity-mandate/) - Colorado's lawmakers have been amending House Bill 1021 which would effect how women without employer sponsored group health insurance coverage might gain access to maternity coverage. If passed, the new law would require that all new individual health insurance policies include coverage for contraception and maternity care in the same manner as any sickness or
- [9Health Fair - April 17-25](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/9health-fair-april-2010/) - The 2010 9News Health Fair is coming to locations across Colorado April 17th-25th and will serve about 90,000 people across Colorado. This annual event has become a favorite for people looking to get fairly comprehensive lab work done at a fraction of what it might cost elsewhere. Many of our clients will get the screenings
- [Health Care Abroad: Japan Strikes the Balance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-care-japan/) - John Creighton Campbell co-authored “The Art of Balance in Health Policy: Maintaining Japan’s Low-Cost, Egalitarian System.” Dr. Campbell spoke with the freelance writer Sarah Arnquist: Q. How does the Japanese system provide health care at lower cost than the American system? BY THE NUMBERS Japan Life expectancy: 83 years Infant mortality: 3 per 1,000 live
- [The Truth Revealed - Money Driven Medicine](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/money-driven-medicine/) - Last night I watched a jaw dropping documentary called "Money Driven Medicine" on Bill Moyers' Journal on Rocky Mountain PBS. After watching Money Driven Medicine my first thought was, I sure hope President Obama and our nation's lawmakers watch this serious expose' on the health services sector, corporate greed and its impact on every American.
- [Health Reform's Real Price Tag](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-reforms-real-price-tag/) - According to the Wall Street Journal, a poll from last weekend shows that 68% of American voters have health-insurance coverage they rate good or excellent. While President Obama says his plan will reduce costs, 53% of those polled believe it will have the opposite effect. And 50% of those polled fear that if Congress passes health-care reform, it will lead
- [When Free Preventative Care Isn't Free](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/free-preventative-care-claim-tips/) - Has this happened to you? You go to the doctor to get some preventative care done and several days later you get the Explanation of Benefits from the insurer that shows you owe money for an exam you expected to be free. These bills may range from $50 for a very basic procedure to $1200
- [Colorado's High Cost of Living](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorados-high-cost-living/) - This will come as no shock to anyone that lives in Colorado, but a new report provides empirical evidence that it is expensive to live here. A survey conducted last summer of 1000 Coloradans shows that even a family of 4 with an income of over $100,000 may have trouble affording health insurance. 25% of those surveyed
- [COBRA Isn't Always the Best Option](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra-solution/) - As the national economy slips more into a recession, more Colorado residents are being offered COBRA when they lose their jobs. COBRA is a health insurance plan which allows an employee who leaves their job to continue to be covered under the company's health plan given certain criteria, for a period of 18 to 36
- [Know What You Are Buying!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/buying/) - There are a lot of articles in the news discussing the ingredients of food (baby formula in particular), pet food and other consumer goods. Many people are “experts” at reading the ingredient list for their food, but pay little attention the the insurance products they purchase. That is, until there is a claim that is
- [The Best Health Insurance Policy](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-policy/) - As a Colorado health insurance broker, I am often asked by my friends and clients here in Colorado, “What is the best insurance policy?” Since there are a lot of variables to consider, the answer depends on a person, or family’s situation. A few primary considerations include whether you are single, or a family, health
- [Health Insurance Networks](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-networks/) - As a lifelong Colorado resident, I am aware there are major differences in the geography and population in this state. While over 85 percent of Colorado residents live along the Front Range, from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins; there are numerous communities that are located on the Western Slope, mountains and Eastern Plains. Because I
- [Health Savings Account (HSA) Banking Options](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-savings-account-hsa-banking/) - As the volatile economy continues to result in more layoffs and contracting budgets, many people are looking for ways to save money and maximize their resources. In some cases our client’s health insurance needs fit well with an HSA qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) policy along with an HSA savings account. HSA qualified policies are
- [RAQ - Randomly Asked Questions](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/raq-randomly-asked-questions/) - In my daily efforts as a broker with Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, I speak with a number of people and respond to questions pertaining to individual as well as group coverage. I want to post these questions and my answers for others to access. While the answers for may vary with different insurance carriers, I
- [Health Insurance Options for the Uninsured & Uninsurable](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-uninsured-uninsurable/) - Health insurance in Colorado is sold via an open market, as opposed to some states that have “guarantee issue” laws for some insurance products. As a rule, I believe this has kept the cost of health insurance in our state less expensive on average than comparable coverage in those states that mandate that health insurance
- [Recent Observations](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/observations/) - Many people in Colorado are losing their jobs due to the downturn in the economy, just as they are in other states. Layoffs have increased the number of people in need of health insurance that contact us at Colorado Health Insurance Brokers. The people that I have spoken to recently include long-time residents of the
- [Health Insurance Underwriting](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-underwriting/) - Part of my responsibility as a broker for Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, is to answer questions about the health insurance underwriting process. I am often asked how insurance companies collect health insurance information and how it is used. First of all, underwriting is defined as the process an insurance company uses to determine eligibility for
- [Recognition of Colorado Health Insurance Brokers by Anthem](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/recognition/) - This month, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield was kind enough to give Colorado Health Insurance Brokers its designation as a Premier Partner, based upon our production and commitment to providing high quality services to our clients. Of all the carriers we work with, I must say that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield really seems committed
- [Colorado Benefits from Children’s Health Insurance Law](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/colorado-childrens-health-insurance-law/) - President Obama signed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) legislation into law today. This important program helps to provide money at the state level (in Colorado we use Child Health Plans Plus) for health insurance for children in lower income families. Colorado’s Child Heatlh Plans Plus (CHP+) currently provides affordable health insurance coverage for 50,000 children and
- [Ouch!!  What Things Cost and Why You Need Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/what-things-cost-health-insurance/) - Sure, paying for health insurance isn't fun, but not having it can hurt a lot more. See how much not being covered could cost you: Spend the night in the hospital (average day in hospital) - Average Cost $6,797 Get flown to the hospital (air ambulance) - Average Cost $8,928 Get driven to the hospital
- [Medicare Part D Costs Jump](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicare-part-costs-jump/) - Medicare Part D is not only costing the taxpayers big money, but it is also costing the insurance policy holders much more than expected. Seniors are still trying to figure out Medicare Part D and many of them made the mistake of thinking their work was done after enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan when it
- [Healthcare and the Nation's GDP](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/healthcare-nations-gdp/) - People might be surprised at my level of concern about healthcare costs in America. I see first hand how the increasing costs affect people and their household budgets. At 6.9% of the country's GDP, Healthcare costs are becoming a drag on our already struggling economy. If the industry does not evolve on its own then
- [Regulation vs Socialism](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/regulation-vs-socialism/) - With the recent election there has been a lot of talk about redistribution wealth and socialism. Basically, by going from a regressive tax to a progressive tax the most wealthy do pay more taxes, although they still will retain a much larger degree of wealth than middle and lower class Americans. Socialism’s definition is a
- [Obama’s Health Plan?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/obama-health-plan/) - Obama’s notion of “Change” proved to be popular and helped him win the presidency. It appears the nation is ready to accept some form of change when it comes to our health care system. The big questions are, “What will it look like?” and “What will it cost?” A preview may have arrived in the
- [National Health Insurance Exchange](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/national-health-insurance-exchange/) - One of the center pieces of the Obama health platform during his campaign was the National Health Insurance Exchange. Many people are curious about what the National Health Insurance Exchange is and what that might mean to them on a personal level. The idea behind the National Health Insurance Exchange is to provide an area
- [Health Care Stimulus Package](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-care-stimulus-package/) - With all the talk about stimulus packages and health insurance reform I think that it is time for a reality check and a dose of common sense. While Washington has been busy with multi-billion dollar bailouts of failed financial services companies and struggling car manufacturing companies, it seems that hard working small business people have been
- [Welcome to Hard Times](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/hard-times/) - I saw “Welcome to Hard Times” as a movie title on one of the Western cable channels last night and it really struck me. We certainly are right smack in the middle of some of the toughest economic times this nation has seen since the Great Depression. This makes the dot.com bust look pretty trivial
- [Tom Daschle’s Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/tom-daschles-health-reform/) - Tom Daschle is a former Senator who will be President Elect Obama’s Secretary of Health and Humana Services. We have some insights into what Daschle might do in his new role since he recently published a book about health reform. Mr. Daschle said that Americans who want to keep employer sponsored group health insurance should
- [Health Care Lines in the Sand](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-care-lines-sand/) - I just read an editorial in which the author suggested that there were three lines in the sand that must not be crossed or it would be the death of the health insurance reform movement. There were three major areas of concern mentioned: No government run health care for the middle class. No mandates. No price controls. While
- [Denver-ites Make Yourself Heard](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/denver/) - On Thursday, December 18th there is a “Change is Coming” house party that will run from 6 to 9pm in Denver. This is an opportunity to voice your opinion about health insurance and health care reform in Colorado. The party is put on by a group called We the People of Colorado and is hosted by
- [A Cure Worse than the Disease?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cure-worse-disease/) - There is no doubt that health care in America is sick and in need of improvement. Whatever solution we wind up with will come from Congress and we can only hope that we don’t wind up with a cure that is worse than our present situation. According to an article I just read the “Healthy
- [Women and Health Care](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/women-health-care/) - A recent study shows there are over 10 million companies in the United States that are 50% or more owned by women. The majority of women entrepreneurs are between the ages of 45 and 60, but those ages are trending downward as more and more younger women start businesses. Many women are going into business
- [Who Are the Uninsured?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/uninsured/) - There is no doubt that people going without health insurance is a real problem here in Colorado and across our nation. A new study sheds some light on some of our country’s 45.7 million people without health insurance who make up 15.3% of our overall population. 10 million of the uninsured are not US citizens
- [Waste Sickens Health Care System](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/waste-sickens-health-care-system/) - While health insurance premium growth is now less than half of what is was five years ago, waste in the health care system continues to be a plague that drives up costs and health insurance premiums, according to a new study from PricewaterhouseCooppers. The new study is quite interesting as it breaks out where health
- [Universal Health Care](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/universal-health-care/) - The health insurance industry is raising the bar by introducing their own Universal Health Care proposal. America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), has released a plan that they say offers universal health care and reduces costs by 30% while increasing quality and improving portability. Senator Edward Kennedy’s spokesman confirmed that they had been working with the
- [Top of Mind Issues for Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/top-mind-issues-health-insurance/) - PriceWaterhouseCooper issued a new report on top health care issues that at first glance shows their incredible grasp of the obvious. Their lead issue is informing us that the economic downturn will effect health care. They also let us know that prevention is on the rise and that the Internet may provide useful health information to end users. As
- [The Devil in the Details ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/devil-details/) - Today being Martin Luther King day, it was a slow day. Late in the day I spoke with a longtime customer and friend of mine today from Northern Colorado who was calling to ask about an offer he had received. It was from a health insurance company I had never heard of, so I went
- [Tabor vs CHP+](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tabor-chp/) - Congress just passed the re-authorization (through 2013) of the State Health Insurance Program, also know as S-CHIP, which will provide insurance coverage for more than 7 million children in working families. While many states’ children may benefit from increased federal matching dollars to help pay to insure their children, TABOR presents a roadblock for Colorado’s
- [Support for Pre-Existing Conditions Mandates](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/support-preexisting-conditions-mandates/) - According to a study conducted by America’s Health Plans, health insurance carriers are in agreement to support a government mandate that they must accept all customers, regardless of pre-existing conditions, so long as the regulators also require everyone to buy coverage. This idea should help reduce costs as the individual plan risk pool would dramatically
- [Stimulus for Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/stimulus-health-insurance/) - Today Congress and the Senate have been hammering out a compromise of the Stimulus Package that President Obama says is needed to get our country’s economy back on track. Of course, regular readers of this blog will know that we are going to focus on how this may impact health insurance. During negotiations the Senate
- [Some Holiday Cheer](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/holiday-cheer/) - With the recession looming over the holiday season, one area of holiday cheer is the prospect of trimming costs on health insurance premiums. It is a good idea to periodically check the marketplace to see if there might be a better value on another plan with your existing health insurance carrier, as well as investigate
- [Small Groups Getting Smaller](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/small-groups-smaller/) - A new article said that the current economic crisis is expected to reduce the number of small business group health insurance policies in force. According to a new study by CSC, 54% of health plan executives expect to see a downturn in small group plans, whereas only 31% expected a downturn in large group health
- [Small Business Struggles with Rising Health Premiums](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/small-business-struggles-rising-health-premiums/) - A new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that due to rising employer sponsored group health insurance premiums that 59% of employers in the US will increase employees’ deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance. While businesses have absorbed rate increases over the years it is increasingly difficult for them to bear 100% of the cost of
- [Slowing Health Premium Growth](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/slowing-health-premium-growth/) - Health insurance premium growth was reduced to below half the growth rate experienced just 5 years ago. Increasing costs, utilization and waste in the health services system continue to be the principal drivers of increasing health insurance premiums. According to a recent study from America’s Health Insurance Plans, general inflation accounted for 46 percent of
- [Rocky Mountain Health Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/rocky-mountain-health-plans/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers is proud to announce the addition of Rocky Mountain Health Plans to the list of carriers we are proud to represent. Rocky Mountain Health Plans is a Colorado insurance company that has been doing business here in Colorado for over 30 years. They are based on the Western Slope in Grand
- [Better safe than sorry?  Playing Defense with Medicine](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/defensive-medicine/) - According to a study 8.6% of money spent on medical services goes to services for the practice of defensive medicine. You need not look any further than the late night ads on TV for attorneys looking to sue doctors as the rationale for this. According to a 2005 study in The Journal of the American
- [New SmartSense Plan from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/smartsense-plan-anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield/) - Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado just introduced a new health insurance plan called SmartSense. This plan is geared towards individuals and families and has deductibles that range all the way from $500 to $7,500. The SmartSense plan provides for up to three $30 copays for doctor visits per family member annually and offers
- [Medicare Advantage Plans Under Scrutiny](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/medicare-advantage-plans-scrutiny/) - A new study of the private Medicare Advantage plans shows that the cost and complexity of the program has increased with little evidence of improved care for the 10.1 million enrollees. Democrats have been looking at this program and will consider cutting the payments that the private insurers received. The plan is said to cost
- [Lose a Job, Lose Your Healthcare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/lose-job-lose-healthcare/) - You’ve heard about adding insult to injury. However, this situation is more like injury to the second power. You’ve worked for your medium to large sized employer for years. You’ve earned a fair hourly wage or salary, but one of the reasons you stayed there was for the company’s benefits: health insurance, 401K matching, an
- [Laid Off?  COBRA - The Basics](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/laid-cobra-basics/) - With the economy being what it is here in Colorado, we are fielding plenty of calls from people who have just been laid off. If you work for a company with 20 or more employees and if you were covered under an Employer Sponsored Group Health Insurance plan, then you generally become eligible for COBRA
- [Jobless Often Face High Costs for Health Insurance Coverage](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/jobless-high-costs-health-insurance/) - Getting a COBRA notice after getting laid off is akin to adding insult to injury. First people go through the shock of job loss and then at the precise time their income has taken a huge hit, they get their COBRA or Colorado State Continuation Letter stating that they can continue their old employer sponsored
- [Is that Low Premium a Bargain…Or Not?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/premium-bargainor/) - I was reading about a new study by our friends at eHealthInsurance that said their average monthly premium was $158 for an average deductible of about $2000 for a single person or $356 a month for a family with a $2600 deductible. Interesting!! While eHealthInsurance only has a fraction of the local Colorado carriers that
- [Insurers Balk at Health Insurance Exchange Plan](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/insurers-balk-health-insurance-exchange/) - Early reactions from the insurance industry to the idea of a National Health Insurance Exchange Plan are in - and they are negative. At this point, the industry is not in favor of a government run program that might compete with private insurance company plans. One health insurance industry figure was quoted as saying the
- [Health Industry for Individual Mandate](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-industry-individual-mandate/) - With all the recent talk about reform in the health services sector, it is interesting to note the health insurance industry’s support. The industry is trying to ensure that no one is left out of the health care system due to health, income, age or employment status. According to a proposal from America’s Health Insurance
- [Hidden Costs of Retiring Early](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/hidden-costs-retiring-early/) - Retiring early is something that most Americans dream of. You’ve worked hard your whole life, scrimped and saved, made good investments or have been fortunate in the business world and now your dream becomes a reality. Before you hit the golf course there is one challenge you need to plan for - health insurance. For
- [Health Insurance Misconceptions](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-misconceptions/) - As an insurance broker, I get to speak to a lot of people about health insurance on a daily basis and often find there are misconceptions about the health insurance industry. People’s satisfaction with thier health insurance coverage also varies, depending on the type of coverage they have and the amount they pay for it.
- [Health Insurance Changes in 2009](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-changes-2009/) - With the new year we are going to see some changes in the health insurance and health services industries. Some changes are certain and some are yet to be defined. Here is what we do know and and what changes look probable for the coming year. In 2009 there will be changes to Health Savings
- [Health Insurance Carrier Profits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-insurance-profits/) - While we pay premiums of over $723 billion annually to health insurers and see health insurance premiums rise each year, you may find it interesting to note that health insurers generally operate on about 3% profit. That is 1/2 the profit of life insurance companies and nearly 1/3 the profit of property and casualty insurance
- [Health Care Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/health-care-reform/) - I really want to find a good solution to better take care of Americans - ALL Americans. Our current system needs help. While we have some of the best health care services in the world, we need to dramatically improve access, while finding the right balance where we are not sacrificing quality or choice. During
- [Insuring Your Income](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/insuring-income/) - It is a painful story to hear and the odds of it happening to you are much greater than you think. It happens to people in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and beyond and often robs them and their families of their futures. Typically the story starts with a poor check up at the doctor or
- [Can Tech Save Health Insurance?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/tech-save-health-insurance/) - People in American want to see health insurance reform. The bottom line is the public wants improved access to health care services at a reduced cost and with no sacrifice in quality. How can something that clear, prove to be so challenging? The challenge is that we have a system was conjured up over time
- [Former Insurance Commissioner to Run Health and Human Services?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/insurance-commissioner-run-health-human-services/) - Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of Colorado’s eastern neighbor Kansas, is on President Obama’s short list of candidates to head the Health and Human Services Department. Her 8 years of experience as an insurance commissioner and 6 years running the Kansas Medicaid program as Governor and her remarkable ability to work in a bipartisan environment appear to
- [COBRA Benefits Under New Recovery Plan](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/cobra-benefits-recovery-plan/) - In Denver, Colorado President Barrack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law people have been clamoring for details as to how this new program will work. The government will pay former employers of eligible employees 65% of the total cost of the premium for the first 9 months. Eligible employees include those
- [Free Markets and Health Reform](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/free-markets-health-reform/) - I think this nation has never been closer to meaningful health reform than it is right now. We are at a tipping point where the nation could be turned towards a nationalized single payer health care system or an improved system where free market economics can be released to reform the market and control costs.
- [Obama's Book](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/politics/obamas-book/) - I've been reading Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, and I must say that he seems to have some very promising ideas and a sincere effort to make meaningful changes in America while preserving what makes this country so great. I've always been a fan of smaller government, but there is no denying the
- [Health Guide - Strategies for Rising Insurance Costs](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/health-guide-strategies-rising-insurance-costs/) - What is the old saying about certainties in life? Death, taxes and we might add rising health insurance costs. Increasing prescription drug costs, hospitalization costs and inflation are all major contributing factors to increasing health insurance costs. You can count on annual premium rate increases, but some carriers seem to do better than others in
- [Welcoming a New Agent to Colorado Health Insurance Brokers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/welcoming-agent-colorado-health-insurance-brokers/) - I am pleased to welcome our newest broker, Scott Crist, to the company. Scott brings with him a wealth of experience in the insurance industry and a sincere effort to help his customers find the best health insurance needs for their specific situation.
- [New Carrier - Aetna](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/carrier-aetna/) - I'm please to report that we are adding Aetna to our portfolio of products effective today. They are a huge national carrier that are new to the Colorado individual health insurance market, but well established in Colorado's group health insurance market. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers welcomes Aetna! Signed, Mark Erickson, Denver, Colorado Health Insurance Agent
- [Countdown to Anthem's Lumenos Products](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/countdown-anthems-lumenos-products/) - This was a busy month with more preparations for Anthem's new Lumenos product. They changed the launch date from March to April and I think the Lumenos HIA product in particular is going to have very broad appeal to healthier Coloradans that need the protection of a good quality catastrophic plan, outstanding wellness benefits and
- [New Products from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-colorado/products-anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield/) - I had a meeting with Anthem's Underwriters yesterday and received the welcome news that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will be launching their new Lumenos HIA and Lumenos HSA products here in Colorado on March 1st, 2007. I should be receiving the Colorado Health Plan Descriptions and rates shortly. The products sound very exciting and

## Pages

- [Colorado's Best For Business And Personal Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers. Guaranteed best prices on small group, Medicare & individual health insurance. Personal service to save you time and money.
- [Health Insurance Benefits For Colorado Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-employer-sponsored-health-insurance-benefits/) - It's never to early or late to shop for group benefits for your company. Review your current employer sponsored plan or set up new benefits for employees.
- [Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/medicare-supplemental-health-insurance/) - Medicare Supplements are often referred to as Medigap plans. Learn how these plans can provide incredible financial protection and superior provider access.
- [Health Savings Accounts - HSA Qualified Health Insurance Plans in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/) - If you like saving money & reducing your tax liability, then you want to understand how Health Savings Accounts work with an HSA qualified health insurance plan
- [Getting Marketplace Coverage in Colorado: Step by Step](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/get-exchange-coverage/) - This easy to follow video guide helps people navigate the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace, understand what cost saving programs they're eligible for.
- [Affordable Care Act 101](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/obamacare-overview/) - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) dictates how & when you can get health insurance, as well as how much it costs. Get the facts about ACA plans in Colorado.
- [Employers & ACA Requirements](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/obamacare-colorado-small-business/) - Tax Credits for Small Business & Possible Penalties for Larger Companies in Colorado. Small businesses may qualify for employer health care tax credits...
- [Advantage... Or Trap?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/advantage-or-trap/) - There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Learn both the pro's and con's of Medicare Advantage plans and the troublesome pitfalls you want to avoid.
- [Medicare Supplement Vs. Medicare Advantage Decision Guide](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/medicare-supplement-or-medicare-advantage-colorado/) - The #1 question most Colorado seniors ask is if they should get a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn which is right for your unique needs.
- [Medicare Part's A & B](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/medicare-parts-a-b/) - Medicare A & B are the foundation needed for Medicare Supplements and Advantage plans. Have an Agent help you make sure you time your enrollments correctly.
- [Retiring Early? Health Insurance Decision Guide](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-individuals-families/retire-health-insurance-colorado/) - Retirement is a blessing, but there are many important considerations to weigh before checking that box to elect COBRA. It pays to understand all your options.
- [Self Employed & Small Business Health Insurance in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/group-health-insurance-colorado/self-employed-small-business-health-insurance-colorado/) - Small business people make up the majority of our clientele, so we understand the needs and challenges of sole proprietors, LLC’s and corporations in Colorado.
- [Meet Your Brokers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/meet-your-brokers/) - Our business, Medicare and individual health insurance clients work and live all across Colorado. Meet the team at Colorado Health Insurance Brokers.
- [The Next Chapter Retirement Podcast](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/next-chapter-retirement-podcast/) - The Next Chapter Retirement Podcast helps you navigate the important decisions that shape your retirement years — from Medicare and healthcare planning to financial strategy, longevity, and living a fulfilling life after your career. Hosted by Mark Erickson, founder of Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, this podcast provides clear, practical guidance to help you move forward
- [Free Personal Health Insurance Quotes & Reviews](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/instant-online-quotes/free-personalized-health-insurance-quote-recommendations/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers personally review plans from the top companies in Colorado. Our services are provided at NO COST to clients across Colorado.
- [Free Guide for Coloradans Retiring Before 65](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/free-guide-for-coloradans-retiring-before-65/) - Free Guide for Coloradans Retiring Before 65 COBRA or an ACA Plan? Healthcare Decision Guide for Retiring Before 65 Retiring early means bridging the gap to Medicare. The right path depends on your numbers, and getting it right can save you a great deal of money. 100% FREE. No cost, no obligation, no sales pressure. Free
- [Offering Employee Benefits to Your Team](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/offering-employee-benefits-to-your-team/) - Free Guide for Colorado Employers Offering Employee Benefits to Your Team A straightforward guide for Colorado small business owners, laying out your options in plain language so you can make an informed decision. 100% FREE. Our guidance costs you nothing beyond the premium. Free Download Benchmark Your Benefits Enter your name and email and we'll send
- [Instant Access: Free Decision Guide for Coloradans Retiring Before 65](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/free-decision-guide-for-coloradans-retiring-before-65/) - Instant Access: Free Decision Guide for Coloradans Retiring Before 65 Best Price Guarantee - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers services are 100% FREE and there is no extra cost or mark-up. Whether you get your health insurance through us, another agent/broker or directly from the insurance carrier, you’ll pay the exact same monthly premium for the same
- [Instant Access: Your Turning 65 Medicare Checklist](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/heres-your-turning-65-medicare-checklist/) - Instant Access: Get the Turning 65 Medicare Checklist Best Price Guarantee - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers services are 100% FREE and there is no extra cost or mark-up. Whether you get your health insurance through us, another agent/broker or directly from the insurance carrier, you’ll pay the exact same monthly premium for the same plan, so
- [Free Turning 65 Medicare Checklist](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/free-turning-65-medicare-checklist/) - Free Guide for Coloradans Your Turning 65 Medicare Checklist A simple, step by step guide to getting onto Medicare the right way, with the timing that protects you from a permanent penalty. 100% FREE. No cost, no obligation, no sales pressure. Free Download Send me the checklist Enter your name and email and we'll send the
- [Why Wait? Instant Access To Your Employee Benefits Guide](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/instant-access-employee-benefits-guide/) - Instant Access: Get the Employer Benefits Guide Business insurance plans can be established all year long, so it's never to early or late to shop for new health insurance for your company. Whether you want to shop your existing employer sponsored group health insurance plan or set up a brand new plan, shopping for group
- [Employer Sponsored Benefits For Colorado Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/group-health-insurance-colorado/colorado-employer-group-health-insurance-quote/) - At Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, we help employers design competitive benefits packages that attract and retain top talent—all while staying within budget.
- [Medicare Open & Special Enrollment Timelines](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/medicare-enrollment-periods-what-when/) - Medicare has several enrollment periods for Part's A, B, C and D. Time sensitive restrictions and lifetime penalties can apply, so get help to get it right.
- [Cigna Health Insurance Plans for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/cigna-obamacare-plans-colorado/) - Cigna is one of the nation's largest health insurance companies, offering ACA plans available with a variety of deductibles using Cigna's Connect EPO network.
- [Cigna Leaving Colorado's Individual Health Insurance Market](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/cigna-leaving-colorados-individual-health-insurance-market/) - Colorado Individual & Family Coverage · 2027 Cigna is leaving Colorado's individual market in 2027. If you have a Cigna individual or family plan, you'll need a new carrier for 2027. The good news: your 2026 coverage doesn't change, and you have a clear path forward. Nothing to do today. Your current Cigna plan is
- [One Click From The Help You Need](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/fast-help/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers: Free, no-pressure help finding the right plan. Expert guidance for Employer benefits, Medicare & individual/family coverage.
- [Free Medicare Guidance & Decision Support](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/free-medicare-quotes-and-recommendations/) - Our licensed experts make Medicare easy and will explain Colorado's Medicare options and help you find the right plan that's best for your individual needs.
- [Designate Agent - Step by Step](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/designate-connect-for-health-agent-step-by-step/) - Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace — and the only place where you can get premium tax credits to lower your health insurance costs. If you already have a Connect for Health Colorado account, login and skip to the 4th picture below with the login screen. Otherwise follow the instructions
- [Designate Your Agent With Connect For Health Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/designate-agent/) - Agent License Numbers: Andrei Barta - 875424 Scott Crist - 297100 Mark Erickson - 423914 Nancy Eubanks - 416386 Sara Martin - 625395 Spencer Martin - 178100 Miriam Rotskoff - 521955 Don't want to watch the video? Follow these Step by Step Instructions with full size images of each screen or follow the Fast Start
- [Employee Benefits That Work for Colorado Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-employer-benefits-video/) - If you're offering benefits for the first time, or you're tired of overpaying for a plan that doesn't fit, you're in the right place. The video above walks you through your options. This page is here to answer the question most owners ask next: what happens after I reach out? You get a real partner,
- [Free HR And C-Suite Support Services](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/hr-c-suite-support-services/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers provides free HR support services to employers, helping your business mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/privacy-policy/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers created this privacy statement to demonstrate our commitment to privacy. Other websites often sell your name and information to multiple insurance agents resulting in many unwanted phone calls. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers respects your privacy and will not sell your information to other companies, so you get the best pricing available
- [PEO Services for Colorado Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/peo-colorado-benefits/) - Through economies of scale, a PEO gives you access to enterprise-level benefits & integrated HR infrastructure, often at 30% less than what you're paying now.
- [Thank You for Your Review Request!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/consultation-request/) - Your free health insurance quote & review request was sent successfully. We will email or call within 1-2 business days to respond. As a reminder, Colorado Health Insurance Brokers work with every major health insurance company in Colorado and there is absolutely no extra cost or charge for our services. We will help you evaluate all
- [Federal Changes to HRA's Give Employers New Options For Paying For Benefits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/federal-changes-to-hras-give-employers-new-options-for-paying-for-benefits/) - Since 2020, employers can offer ICHRA’s to provide tax-exempt dollars to their employees for the purchase of Affordable Care Act compliant individual coverage
- [More Carriers - More Plans - Better Service - Local Knowledge](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers works with every major health insurance company in Colorado including all the big names and some that may be new to you.
- [After You Enroll...](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/after-you-enroll/) - You don't really have coverage until you make the first month's "binder" premium payment to the insurance company. Here's how to finish right.
- [Great Tips to Save Time & Money on Your Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/about-us/best-colorado-health-insurance-agent/) - None of the biggest national companies with call center agents can compete with the local expertise and service provided by Colorado Health Insurance Brokers.
- [Level Funded Plans for Small/Mid-Sized Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/level-funded-health-plans-small-business/) - An important innovation for some small and medium businesses is the creation of level-funded self-insured plans in which companies can build up a cash reserve.
- [Navigating ACA Plan Options](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/navigating-obamacare/) - The ObamaCare changes can significantly impact your personal finances. Get it right and you save, get it wrong and tax penalties can be painful. We can help.
- [ABC's of Medicare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/abcs-of-medicare/) - The alphabet soup of Medicare can challenge even the savviest seniors. Let a licensed agent help you make the right moves for a smooth transition to Medicare.
- [Find An In-Network Doctor](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/find-in-network-doctor/) - Sometimes we get calls from people who thought a provider was in-network, but later discovered they were in one of the carrier's networks, just not the specific network attached to her plan. This may be the most common, and potentially expensive, mistakes people make when choosing a doctor. It's wise to use the insurance carrier's
- [About Colorado Health Insurance Brokers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/about-us/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers is your single stop resource for all your health insurance needs in Colorado. Family, Individual, and Small Business Plans for Denver, Front Range, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and across Colorado.
- [Thank You for Your Benefits Review Request](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/success-thank-you/) - As a reminder, Colorado Health Insurance Brokers work with every major health insurance company in Colorado. Compensation for our services is 100% carrier paid, so you pay nothing. We will help you evaluate all the employer sponsored benefit options from Colorado's top health insurance carriers to help you select the carrier and plans that are
- [Thank You For Your Request For Help With Medicare Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/medicare-success/) - Your free Medicare plan quote & review request was sent successfully. We will email or call within 1-2 business days to respond. Best Price Guarantee - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers services are 100% FREE and there is no extra cost or mark-up. Whether you get your health insurance through us, another agent/broker or directly from the insurance
- [Health Savings Account - Questions & Answers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/health-savings-account-questions-answers/) - If you have questions about Health Savings Accounts, you've found the right place for answers to most common questions. Got another question? Ask an Agent.
- [Health Savings Accounts - HSA's and Alternative Medicine](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/health-savings-accounts-hsa-alternative-medicine/) - Health Savings Accounts can be used for more than the common covered expenses for things such as doctor fees, dentists, surgeons, many prescription medications, hospital services, qualified long-term care services, nursing services, and laboratory fees. HSA qualified medical expenses* may also include fees paid to chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and Christian Science practitioners. Massage is a
- [Health Savings Account - Qualified Expenses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/health-savings-account-qualified-expenses/) - The great thing about Health Savings Accounts are that you can spend the money on anything the IRS considers an HSA qualified expense. Learn the in's & out's.
- [Health Savings Account Administrators and Banks](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/health-savings-administrators-banks/) - List of the most popular and competitive HSA banking options. Some HSA's offer simple accounts with debit cards, while others offer investment opportunities.
- [Health Savings Account Qualified Health Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/health-savings-account-qualified-health-plans/) - In order to fund a Health Savings Account, you must first have a HSA qualified health insurance plan. Not just any high deductible plan will do. Learn the rules
- [Video: Saving Money With Health Savings Accounts (HSA's)](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/saving-money-with-health-savings-accounts-hsa/) - Learn how to save money with HSA qualified health insurance plans while gaining the benefit of 100% tax free savings via Health Savings Accounts. See HSA Contribution Amounts and see what types of medical, dental and vision care is HSA qualified. Health Savings Account qualified health insurance plans and HSA's are a huge advancement in
- [Make sense of health coverage. Keep more of your money. ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-explainer-colorado-premium-tax-credits-guide/) - 3 minute videos include a Health Insurance Explainer, a ACA Tax Credit Explainer and a short Masterclass on Health Savings Account. Clear, money saving info.
- [Instant Quotes](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/instant-online-quotes/) - Choose either option for free individual, family and self employed health insurance quotes with the guaranteed best price from Colorado's top health insurance carriers. 1. Do it Yourself Instant Quotes (below) 2. Expert Quote Recommendations (Most Comprehensive) View quotes on Colorado's top health insurance companies in seconds and compare benefits. Do NOT apply from Instant
- [Child Only Health Insurance in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-individuals-families/child-only-health-insurance-colorado/) - A child only plan is an individual health insurance plan with no insured parents on the policy. It may have one or more related children on the policy.
- [Affordable Care Act Questions & Answers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/obamacare-questions-answers/) - Answers to questions we're most frequently asked about the Affordable Care Act, which influences how and when you can get health insurance and how much it costs.
- [Video: 5 Medicare Mistakes That Cost Retirees Thousands](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/video-5-medicare-mistakes-that-cost-retirees-thousands/) - This video walks through the five most common — and most expensive — Medicare mistakes people make. Unfortunately, these aren’t rare situations… these are things happening every day to good, responsible people who just didn’t have clear guidance.  If you are a Colorado resident and want help thinking through your specific situation, I’m always
- [Healthy Team Podcast](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/healthy-team-podcast-3/) - Real conversations about building stronger, healthier, more productive teams Welcome to the Healthy Team Podcast, hosted by Mark Erickson of Colorado Health Insurance Brokers. In today’s world, work-life balance gets talked about a lot, but many people are still stretched thin, distracted, and pulled in too many directions. The Healthy Team Podcast is a place
- [Colorado Health Insurance Brokers Web Site Map](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/sitemap/)
- [Mark Erickson of Colorado Health Insurance Brokers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/mark-erickson-colorado-health-insurance-brokers/) - As Founder and CEO of Gain Financial Services, Inc dba Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, Mark Erickson is happy to answer questions from Colorado residents about getting health insurance for yourself, your family and your business. You can reach Mark Erickson on his direct line at (303) 456-7967 or toll free at (800) 416-4481. Experience the
- [International Travel Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/international-travel-health-insurance/) - International travel can be an exciting adventure, but it can also bring about many unpredictable situations should you need medical care while you're out of the country. We provide Colorado residents and non-US citizens with international insurance resources to ease the stress of an unfamiliar culture or medical system. Whether you need individual coverage
- [Term Life Insurance Quotes](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/life-insurance/) - We make getting affordable term life insurance fast, affordable and easy. Term life insurance helps people who are married and/or have children because it provides affordable financial protection for your loved ones, just in case. We'll shop the carriers and find the A+ rated insurance carrier with the best rate for you and your family.
- [Public and Private Health Assistance Resources in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/public-private-assistance-resources/) - List of Colorado's public and private assistance programs and resources for children, pregnant women, the disabled, people with lower incomes and much more.
- [Pregnant or Need Maternity Health Insurance in Colorado?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-individuals-families/pregnant-maternity-health-insurance-colorado/) - If you're thinking of starting or expanding your family we have plans with maternity health insurance benefits that include excellent coverage for pre-natal exams and delivery, as well as well child exams and immunizations. Get a personalized quote with maternity benefits. Due to changing laws in Colorado some people are confused about maternity coverage. Maternity is covered
- [Employer Benefits for Colorado Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/group-health-insurance-colorado/) - Whether you want to shop your existing employer sponsored group health insurance plan or set up a brand new plan, shopping for group health insurance coverage has never been easier. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers specializes in working with businesses with 1-49 employees and offers a Best Price Guarantee on those Small Group health insurance plans. Be confident
- [Select Health Insurance Plans for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/select-health-2024-health-insurance-plans-for-colorado/) - Select Health is a non-profit health plan in Colorado and with providers in the AdventHealth, Intermountain Health, Monument Health and UC Health networks.
- [Rocky Mountain Health Plans by UnitedHealthcare](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/rocky-mountain-health-plans-colorado/) - United Healthcare and Rocky Mountain Health Plans expanded their plan offerings across Colorado in offering ACA plans across much of the state.
- [Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Plans for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/kaiser-colorado-obamacare/) - Kaiser Permanente offers it's popular ACA health plans in the Denver/Boulder area, as well as plans in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Northern Colorado.
- [Humana Health Insurance for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/humana-health-insurance-colorado/) - While they continue to offer Medicare plans, please be aware that Humana no longer offers ACA or health insurance plans to businesses in Colorado.
- [Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health Medical Plan](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/elevate-denver-health-plans/) - Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health is a not-for-profit company committed to providing quality and affordable health care for more than 20 years.
- [Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Individual & Family Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/anthem-colorado-obamacare-aca/) - Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Colorado health insurance plan options offer Gold, Silver and Bronze plan options for nearly every budget.
- [Is Your Employer's Health Insurance "Affordable?"](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/affordable-coverage/) - ACA Premium Tax Credits are NOT available to people who have access to "affordable" health insurance coverage through an employer. Here is the simple formula.
- [Are You Eligible for Tax Credits?](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/eligible-subsidy/) - The Affordable Care Act can offer substantial savings with Advance Premium Tax Credits, based on your tax household's income. See how much you can save.
- [Qualifying Events & Special Enrollment Periods](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/obamacare-special-enrollment/) - After open enrollment close, you can still get an individual plan if you have one of these "Qualifying Events" that triggers a 60 day Special Enrollment Period.
- [Thank You For Your Life Insurance Quote Request](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/thank-you-for-your-life-insurance-quote-request/) - Thank you for your life insurance quote request. A licensed Agent from Colorado Health Insurance Brokers will be in touch to help you, typically within 1 business day.
- [VSP Vision Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/vsp-vision-insurance/) - VSP is the nation’s leading vision benefits provider, offering 2 affordable personal plan options and the largest vision network in America. Get a quote now.
- [Delta Dental of Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/delta-dental-colorado/) - Delta Dental has one of the largest networks of dentists in Colorado and offers the Enhanced, Classic and Clear Plans for adults and children. Get coverage as soon as the 1st of next month.
- [Family Health Insurance in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-individuals-families/family-health-insurance-colorado/) - Whether your family is big or small; young or mature, Colorado Health Insurance Brokers will help you find plans designed to fit your family’s needs and budget.
- [Colorado Health Insurance for Individuals](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-individuals-families/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers has outstanding comprehensive and major medical health insurance plans available for individuals, families & retirees.
- [Home](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/home-2/) - Security systems for everyone Advanced technology for peace of mind Learn more Complete solutions for any business type and market vertical Curabitur et rhoncus leo. Maecenas quis consectetur tellus, eget convallis metus. Vestibulum accumsan arcu lectus, non blandit eros congue eu. Curabitur sit amet varius diam, et ultricies mauris. Morbi varius eu lectus a faucibus.
- [The Great Healthcare Plan](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/the-great-healthcare-plan/)
- [UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family Plans for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/unitedhealthone-golden-rule-insurance-company/) - United Healthcare and Rocky Mountain Health Plans have expanded their plan offerings across Colorado in 2026 offering Non-Gated HMO plans across much of the state. Colorado Doctor’s Plans continue to be available both on and off-exchange to clients in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan,Morgan, Park,
- [Free Health Insurance Review & Plan Recommendations](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/free-health-insurance-review/) - At Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, we take the time to personally review health plans from top insurance companies across Colorado — both on and off the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. Our goal is to help you and your family find a plan that fits your needs and your budget, always at the guaranteed best
- [Health Benefits That Work for Your Business](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-benefits-that-work-for-work/) - At Colorado Health Insurance Brokers, we help employers build benefits packages that attract great people, keep your team happy, and stay within budget. Because we work with all the major insurance carriers, you get access to the full range of plans — not just a limited list. Whether you're offering benefits for the first time
- [Make sense of your health coverage](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-explainer/) - This short, friendly video was created by Colorado Health Insurance Brokers to help you understand common health insurance terms so you understand how your coverage actually works. Health Insurance Explainer Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums and networks. Understanding these basics can help you choose the right plan and use your health insurance with confidence. Whether
- [College Health Insurance for Students](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/college-university-students-health-insurance/) - Tuition, books, rent, food, fun . . . health insurance? With all the things students have to pay for in college or at the university, paying for health insurance could wind up as last on their list. But what's last on their list could be the first thing to put college students at serious financial
- [Oscar Health Insurance Plans for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/oscar-health-insurance-colorado/) - Oscar exited the Colorado market in January of 2023. Get a custom personalized quote, so you can review your health insurance quotes at your convenience. Or call for a free Colorado health insurance quote at (800) 416-4481 Oscar's 2022 service area in Colorado was metro-Denver, Boulder, Greeley, Ft Collins and select Front Range mountain towns. In
- [Bright Healthcare Health Insurance Plans for Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/bright-health-insurance-plans-colorado/) - Bright Healthcare exited the Colorado market in January of 2023. Get a custom personalized quote, so you can review your health insurance quotes at your convenience. Or call for a free Colorado health insurance quote at (800) 416-4481 In 2022, their plans included Centura Health providers, Colorado Health Neighborhoods provider network and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Bright
- [Free Health Insurance Review & Plan Recommendations](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/q1-2023-quotes/) - Smart consumers want to know their options and have peace of mind, knowing how the plans work and if they are in-network for the doctors and facilities that matter most to you. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers personally reviews health plans from the ALL the top insurance carriers in Colorado, both inside and outside the marketplace,
- [Employee Benefits For Colorado Businesses](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/employeebenefits/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers helps employers safely navigate the tightrope of employee benefits, delivering quality name brand benefits to attract and retain top performing employees, while keeping you informed of options to keep your company’s benefit costs in check. Whether you’re considering a future change in benefits or are looking to establish a new employee
- [Trim Your Bottom Line While Providing Fortune 500 Type Employee Benefits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/betterwaycolorado/) - In this rapidly changing world, business leaders need to to quickly adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities, including the ability to provide best in class benefits that can be scaled up or down, as painlessly as possible. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers helps businesses go beyond typical small group benefits to provide affordable Fortune 500
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- [News](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/news/)
- [Modified Adjusted Gross Income](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/magi/) - Connect for Health Colorado requires your estimated household income for the current or upcoming calendar year depending on the timing. Assets, such as property, are not included in your income calculation. Your household income determines your eligibility for advance tax credits that reduce your monthly health insurance premiums. Your household income is your modified adjusted
- [Advance Premium Tax Credits](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/advance-premium-tax-credits/) - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides a federal tax credit to help you afford health coverage purchased through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. These tax credits are not available to people eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Medicare or who have affordable coverage through an employer. Also, ACA federal tax credits are not
- [Accident Supplement Plans](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/accident-supplement-plans/) - Many people with with higher deductible plans are concerned about what would happen if a family member had an accident, particularly if they enjoy the active outdoor Colorado lifestyle. If that is the case for your family you may want to consider this Accident Supplement to help offset some of the risk associated with accidents.
- [Success - Thank You For Your Request](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/success-thank-you-for-your-request/) - Your company's health insurance employee benefits quote and review request was sent successfully. We will email or call within 1-2 business days to respond to your review request. Colorado Health Insurance Brokers work with every major health insurance company in Colorado and there is absolutely no extra cost or charge for our services. We will help you evaluate all the employer
- [ACA Plan Cost Factors](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/obamacare-save-cost-money/) - ObamaCare plan rates are based on age, what region of Colorado you live in and tobacco use. Gender & health history are NOT used in the calculation of rates...
- [Better Way Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/better-way-colorado/) - Yes, there is a better way & you're in the right place! Select the desired coverage type below: We Know Colorado Founded in 2003, Colorado Health Insurance Brokers serves clients across the state of Colorado. Our Agents have each lived in Colorado for many years, so they know which plans and networks are best in
- [New Federal Tax Credit and State Program Eligibility Charts for 2020 Released](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/new-federal-tax-credit-and-state-program-eligibility-charts-for-2020-released/) - October 2nd, 2019 - Today, the new 2020 charts for eligibility for both federal tax credits and for Colorado state programs like Health First Colorado and CHP+ were released. Use the chart below to see if you're eligible for Health First Colorado or CHP+. If your family's monthly gross income is above the levels in
- [Success - Thank You For Your Review Request](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/success-review-request/) - Your free health plan quote and review request was sent successfully. We will email or call within 1-2 business days to respond to your review request. As a reminder, there is absolutely no extra cost or charge for our services. We will help you evaluate all the plan options to find what works best for your needs and budget.
- [Medical Conditions - Information and Resources](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/medical-conditions-information-resources/) - Allergies: American Academy of Allergy and Immunology 1-800-822-2762 (8:30 - 5:00 ET). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 1-301-496-5717 (8:30 - 5:00 ET). Alternative Medicine: The University of Pittsburgh's Alternative Medicine Home Page Medline Plus Herbal Medicine National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's Association 1-800-272-3900 (8:00 - 5:00 CT). Arthritus:
- [Unemployed or Laid Off? Health Insurance Options to Consider](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/unemployed-laid-off-health-insurance/) - Regrettably, in the current economic environment more and more people are experiencing job loss. There are many questions about the different options that are available. The employer’s group plan administrator is responsible for sending you an election notice for COBRA or State Continuation Coverage within 14 days of their being advised of the qualifying event.
- [Career Opportunties for Health Insurance Agents](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-agent-job-career/) - Career opportunities for health insurance agents with a heart for helping people with their health needs and a strong desire to earn unlimited monthly residual income.
- [Metal Gap Supplements](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/metal-gap-supplements/) - Get a FREE quote and securely apply online. Metal Gap plans help close the gap for Affordable Care Act compliant plans, many of which that leave employees responsible for $6350 in OOP, providing: • Up to $6350 cash for accidents* • Up to $7500 cash for critical illness* • Up to $500 a day for hospital
- [Authorize Your Agent - Scott Crist](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/authorize-agent-scott-crist/) - Meet Scott Crist - Certified Connect for Health Colorado Agent in Littleton, Colorado
- [Authorize Your Agent - Mark Erickson](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/authorize-agent-mark-erickson/) - Meet Mark Erickson - Certified Connect for Health Colorado Agent in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
- [Thank You for Your Quote Request!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/quote-request-thank-you/) - Thank you! Your quote request was sent successfully. We will research and email your personalized quotes for health insurance plans and typically respond within 1 business day.
- [Imerica Health Insurance Plans ](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/imerica-health-insurance-plans/) - Imerica Life and Health Insurance Company is a Colorado company with some lower cost plans to help consumers offset the rising costs of healthcare. Imerica has a variety of lower cost high-deductible and health savings account (HSA) qualified health insurance plans plans developed for savvy, health-conscious consumers. Imerica - Plan Brochures Imerica General Plan Brochure
- [Free Personalized Health Insurance Quote Recommendations](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/quote/) - Note: This page now has a 301 redirect to: https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/instant-online-quotes/free-personalized-health-insurance-quote-recommendations/ Colorado Health Insurance Brokers will personally review plans from the top companies in Colorado to help you find the right health plan at the guaranteed best price. Our services are provided at NO COST or mark up. I appreciate your help so much. You have
- [Contact Colorado Health Insurance Brokers](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/about-us/contact-colorado-health-insurance-brokers/) - Colorado Health Insurance Brokers 8547 E. Arapahoe Rd, Suite J-146 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80112 Metro Denver: (303) 456-7967 Toll free within Colorado: (800) 416-4481 Colorado Health Insurance Brokers is a Registered Trade Name of Gain Financial Services, Inc. *Plans quoted by Colorado Health Insurance Brokers have the guaranteed best prices available. Use the button below
- [Thank You!](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/thank-you-career-agent/) - Thank you for sending us your resume and contact information. We appreciate your interest and, as a reminder, no phone calls please. We are reviewing prospective candidates resumes weekly and will get in touch with you to arrange a phone interview if it looks like there might be a good fit. Thank you again and have
- [Tax Credit Estimator](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/tax-credit-estimator/) - You can use this subsidy calculator to give you an estimate of your federal tax credit.
- [Sorry, That Page Can Not Be Located](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/404-2/) - Unfortunately, the web page you are looking for was not found. There are a variety of reasons why this could have occurred, but what is important is getting you back on track quickly! Our "Popular Pages" and Search Box are both listed on the right side of this web page. Also, visit the Colorado Health
- [Health Reimbursement Arrangements - HRA's](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/group-health-insurance-colorado/health-reimbursement-arrangement-hra/) - Effective February 2, 2011 a new Colorado law now allows small employers (50 or fewer employees) to pay or reimbursing employees for the costs of health insurance premiums. This option has not been legally available in the past but is now available to pay for individual coverage for an employee/family.
- [Aetna Health Insurance in Colorado](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/aetna-health-insurance-colorado/) - On February 1st, 2011 Aetna announced that they will no longer sell new health insurance policies to individuals in Colorado, saying it cannot be competitive in the state. Aetna will continue to service its existing individual health-insurance policies in Colorado until they come up for renewal. After that, it will renew existing policies for 12
- [Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado Health Insurance](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-companies/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield-colorado-health-insurance/) - Colorado's largest health insurer, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers affordable options for individuals, families, and the self-employed. Choose from 6 plans that provide industry leading value and savings: Lumenos HSA - Health Savings Account (HSA) qualified high deductible health insurance plan with excellent preventative care. You fund the optional tax free Health Savings Account to
- [Colorado Health Insurance News Archive List](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-news-updates/)
- [Health Insurance News Archives](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-insurance-news-archives/) - May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 July 2008 April 2008 March 2008 October 2007 May 2007 January 2007 November 2006
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- [Instant Quote Redirect Page - Save](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/instant-online-quotes/instant-quote2/) - Save this as it is a re-direct page for the upper nav menu and referenced in .htaccess.
- [HSA Overview](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/health-savings-account-hsa-colorado/hsa-overview/) - Save this as it is a re-direct page for the upper nav menu and referenced in .htaccess.
- [Colorado Health Insurance Buyer's Guide](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-buyers-guide/) - Why do we need health Insurance? Health insurance really doesn’t insure good health, does it? While it can’t guarantee your physical health, health insurance can help protect your financial well being by providing a financial safety net in the event of unexpected illness or injury. Health related expenses may easily run into the tens or
- [Health Insurance News](https://www.coloradohealthinsurancebrokers.com/colorado-health-insurance-news/)