51CCF8FA59DF1853872587B10076CF23 Hearing Summary

Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, Connect for Health Colorado, presented to the committee.  He provided a brief overview of the history of Connect for Health Colorado and discussed the exchange's strategic plan.  Mr. Patterson's slide deck may be viewed on the committee website at  http://leg.colorado.gov/content/jhce2021acommsched.  He spoke about enrollment assistance, the number of eligible individuals who are not enrolled in health insurance, and the savings that individuals and families receive by purchasing insurance through the exchange.  Mr. Patterson responded to questions about the number of qualified individuals who are covered through the exchange. 

Mr. Patterson responded to questions about insurance coverage for people who were laid off during the pandemic. He responded to questions related to enrollment guides and navigators.  The committee discussed the exchange's outreach efforts and how to increase awareness.

Mr. Patterson continued his presentation. He spoke about the 2022 open enrollment and the number of individuals who receive tax credits to offset the cost of health insurance. He discussed the Health Care Coverage Easy Program. This program allows individuals to connect with health insurance via their tax returns. He discussed the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise program.

Mr. Patterson discussed the average monthly premium cost when the Advance Premium Tax Credit is applied.  He discussed the 2022 plan year open enrollment period, which is open until January 15, 2022, and responded to questions. He explained that the exchange will provide updated data once open enrollment is over.  He told the committee that the exchange works closely with community providers to get individuals enrolled and discussed the exchanges efforts to advertise in different areas of the state.