Health insurance open enrollment begins Nov. 1, here is what you need to know

It is that time of year again – open enrollment for health insurance which begins Nov. 1. This means you can renew your current plan or sign up for a new plan on Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado Connect platforms. Dec. 15 is the deadline to enroll for a Jan. 1, 2024, start-date.

For customers of OmniSalud, they will not be automatically be re-enrolled for a 2024 plan. If you currently have a plan and are not in the OmniSalud program then you may automatically re-enroll in a plan for 2024, according to a news release from Rural Health Network.

People are encouraged to shop around because there are more options and financial help available this year.

“Do not wait. Get on the website early and make sure you can log on. You can start browsing plans on Nov. 1,” the press release stated.

Rural Health Network shared some tips for consumers before they decide on their health coverage this year.

• People with higher incomes may qualify for financial assistance this year because there is more financial help avaialble.
• Families with employer-sponsored insurance may be eligible for financial assistance, despite if they were previously unable to qualify. This is considered the “family glitch” where coverage is too costly for the whole family. With this new change families may be able to enroll with financial help.
• Insurance companies must keep 26 year olds on their parent’s plan until the end of the plan year (Dec. 31) in which they turn 26. Ensure that you understand in-and out-of-network benefits for your adult child, especially if they live in a different state.
• This year’s Grand County carriers are: Anthem, Rocky Mountain Health Plans.United Healthcare and Denver Health Medical Plans. Denver Medical Plans does not require you to travel to Denver Health facilities, but is a secondary company to Denver Health.
• Here are the types of plans to expect to see in the Grand County marketplace: Colorado Option, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), OmniSalud and Silver Entrance Savings for Colorado immigrants and Peak Health Alliance.

“Grand County will have Peak Health Alliance plans in 2024. These will likely be among the lowest cost plans on the marketplace. They are provided by Denver Health Medical Plans – Peak Health Alliance. The only Grand County primary care providers in-network for these plans are at Middle Park Health (all locations) and Denver Health Winter Park Medical Center at the base of Winter Park Resort,” the press release explained. “In-network providers may have a considerable wait time to take new primary care patients. At this time, Byers Peak Family Practice and Fraser Medical Clinic will not be in-network for these plans.”

Price is a huge factor when deciding on your coverage, but Rural Health Network recommends reviewing in-network health providers and pharmacy coverage.

“Please also make sure your prescriptions are covered by the plan you are considering. Price, in-network coverage, and prescription coverage all impact your out-of-pocket expenses,” the organization stated.

To contact a broker or schedule an appointment with a health coverage guide, visit AssistanceNetwork.FindHelp.com, ConnectForHealthCO.com or call 970-725-3477.

About Grand County Rural Health Network

Grand County Rural Health Network is a nonprofit that serves Grand and Jackson counties and offers access, resources and support for the community so they can lead their healthiest lives. For more information visitGCruralHealth.org. The organization’s local health resource guide can be found at HealthyGrandCounty.org.

Tara Alatorre is the editor of Sky-Hi News. You can reach her at 970-557-6031 or talatorre@skyhinews.com.