Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s individual marketplace where people shop for and buy their own health insurance plans, is seeing a slight dip in enrollment for 2026 compared to the same time last year. 

The agency said on Thursday that as of Nov. 1, 210,139 Coloradans have enrolled in a health insurance plan for next year, a roughly 5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Approximately 296,499 people ended up enrolling in a plan in 2025.

Open enrollment began on Nov. 1 and will last through Jan. 15, though Coloradans must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1.

The state said there are a few factors that may be contributing to the small dip in enrollment, including rising health insurance premiums as a result of expiring federal tax credits. 

Known as the enhanced premium tax credit, the subsidies were first passed by Congress in 2021 and extended in 2022 and are now set to lapse on Dec. 31. The tax credits helped lower insurance premiums on Affordable Care Act marketplaces like Connect for Health Colorado. 

With action by Congress to extend the tax credits looking more and more unlikely, insurers are preparing to increase rates next year by an average of 28% statewide, and 38% on the Western Slope. That, combined with the loss of the enhanced tax credits, could cause premiums to surge even higher for some households. 

Mountain town residents have reported seeing their premiums for next year triple or even quadruple due to the expiration of the tax credits. 

Colorado lawmakers did approve a stopgap measure during a special session in August that will blunt the price increase for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Connect for Health Colorado also said that around 65% of enrollees qualify for financial assistance for plans in 2026, and more than half of those who currently receive help will have at least one plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month.

The potential for higher premiums, however, may be causing Coloradans to take more time selecting a plan. The agency said another factor for the enrollment dip could be federal changes to eligibility, which left fewer people included in Connect for Health Colorado’s annual auto-renewal process this year.

That includes certain lawfully residing immigrants, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, who are no longer eligible for Affordable Care Act coverage as of August. Starting in 2026, lawfully present immigrants who are not eligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status and who have incomes below 100% of the federal poverty level will no longer be eligible for subsidized Affordable Care Act coverage. 

Six insurance companies are offering medical plans in 2026, including Colorado Option plans that give enrollees access to several no-cost services at no-cost, including $0 doctor visits for annual check-ups, health screenings, immunizations, maternity care, and mental or behavioral health, or substance abuse services. 

Connect for Health Colorado said it can provide help and assistance to Coloradans as they navigate open enrollment and select their plans. The agency has a free network of certified assistants and insurance brokers located throughout Colorado who speak more than 22 languages. 

“Our message today is simple: we’re here to help every Coloradan get covered,” said Connect for Health Colorado CEO Kevin Patterson in a statement. “Even with premium increases and the possible expiration of federal enhanced premium tax credits, Coloradans are finding plans that fit their needs and their budgets — and they’re not doing it alone. Our experts are ready to guide customers every step of the way.” 

Coloradans who need to buy their own health insurance can learn more about the individual marketplace, plan options, financial aid, and other resources by going to ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.