Health Coverage Open Enrollment Resources
Open Enrollment Starts October 15, 2026
Health insurance can help protect you and your family from unexpected medical costs and provide access to preventive care, prescriptions, and ongoing healthcare services.
As open enrollment approaches, now is a good time to review your coverage options, update your information, and learn about programs that may help you obtain affordable health insurance.
This page is provided as a community resource. Valley View does not endorse any specific health plan and cannot provide insurance enrollment advice. We encourage community members to use the trusted resources below to explore options and find assistance.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Health coverage programs can be confusing. Here’s a simple overview of some of the most common options available to Colorado residents:
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Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Individuals and families who do not receive health insurance through an employer or public program may be able to purchase coverage and qualify for financial assistance to help lower costs.
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Medicaid (Health First Colorado)
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. It provides health coverage for eligible children, adults, families, pregnant individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities based on income and other eligibility requirements.
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Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare Open Enrollment is an opportunity to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage if needed.
Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace offers plans for individuals and families and can help determine whether you qualify for financial assistance to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027.
Resources
Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) review eligibility annually. It is important to ensure your contact information is current and to respond promptly if you receive renewal notices.
Helpful Resources
- Health First Colorado
- Renewals: What You Need to Know
- Health First Colorado Member Contact Center: 800-221-3943
Remember To:
- Update your address, phone number, and email.
- Watch for renewal notices in the mail or online.
- Complete renewal paperwork by the stated deadline if requested.
Federal legislation known as H.R. 1 includes changes that will affect some Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) members beginning in late 2026 and 2027. Colorado has developed resources to help residents understand these upcoming changes.
According to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, changes may include:
- New work and community engagement requirements for certain adults.
- More frequent eligibility renewals for some adult Medicaid members.
- Changes affecting eligibility for certain immigrant populations.
- Additional eligibility verification requirements.
Many Medicaid members, including children, adults age 65 and older, pregnant individuals, and some people receiving long-term services and supports, may not be affected by these changes.
What You Can Do Now
- Make sure your mailing address, phone number, and email are up to date.
- Open and respond promptly to any correspondence from Health First Colorado.
- Review official state resources to learn whether these federal changes may affect your coverage.
Learn More
Free Medicare Counseling Through High Country Volunteers
If you are eligible for Medicare or helping a loved one evaluate Medicare options, free, unbiased assistance is available through High Country Volunteers’ Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
SHIP counselors provide objective information about Medicare coverage options and can help beneficiaries better understand plan choices during Medicare Open Enrollment.
Contact High Country Volunteers SHIP Program
SHIP counselors are not affiliated with insurance companies and do not sell insurance products.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
CHP+ provides low-cost health coverage for eligible children and pregnant individuals whose income is too high for Medicaid but who still need affordable coverage.
Learn more through:
Free Enrollment Assistance
Many Coloradans qualify for free, unbiased assistance when exploring coverage options.
Connect for Health Colorado offers certified experts who can help explain coverage options and financial assistance programs at no cost.
Your local county department of human services can assist with Medicaid and CHP+ applications and renewals.
Beware of Health Insurance Scams
During open enrollment periods, fraudulent offers and misleading advertisements can increase. Connect for Health Colorado advises consumers to use trusted enrollment channels and certified assistance resources. Learn more: Health Insurance Scam Alerts.
Questions?
For questions about specific insurance plans, eligibility, Medicare enrollment, Medicaid renewals, or marketplace coverage, please contact the organizations listed above directly. These agencies and certified enrollment experts are best equipped to provide personalized guidance.
Additionally, Valley View’s Financial Assistance Program helps eligible patients access needed healthcare services and understand available payment options.
Learn more or apply at Health Insurance Scam Alert • Connect for Health Colorado
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a community service and is intended for educational purposes only. Valley View does not endorse any specific health plan, broker, or insurance product. Information, eligibility requirements, and enrollment dates may change. Please consult the official state and federal resources linked above for the most current information.