Guest Opinion: Open enrollment ends on January 15

This open enrollment period began November 1 and as of December 15, more than 156,000 Coloradans made plan selections. This was a five-percent increase in sign-ups over last year at the same time. It is rewarding that so many Coloradans are going into the new year with health coverage.

In Alamosa County, more than 290 residents have enrolled in private health insurance. Households, on average, are saving $729 a month on their premium.

If you still need coverage for 2019, it is not too late! You have until January 15 to get covered. And if you think you can’t afford it, you may be surprised, many Coloradans assume they make too much to qualify.

For instance, these sample households may all qualify to save money:

* An individual earning up to $48,560

* A family of two making up to $65,840

* A family of three making up to $83,120

* A family of four making up to $100,000

Connect for Health Colorado® is the only place where you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your health insurance.

Are you a small business owner that does not offer health insurance, but would like to assist your employees get covered? If so, Connect for Health Colorado is here to help. There are no employer contribution requirements. By partnering with Connect for Health Colorado, as a small business owner, we will offer your employees:

* Health plan choices

* Easier administration of health coverage

* Lower premiums

To learn more about how we can help you increase employee coverage options without an employer contribution, visit ConnectForHealthCO.com/get-started/small-business

In a recent blog by Connect for Health Colorado® CEO Kevin Patterson, “I am happy with the pace of sign-ups for health insurance plans, we are still enrolling Coloradan/s who buy their own health insurance and will continue through January 15 when the door closes for buying 2019 coverage.

Insurance is complicated. That’s why we offer online support tools, a state-wide network of certified experts, and a Call Center -- all can help you complete your application. Find them at ConnectForHealthCO.com

Following are San Luis Valley enrollments and average household monthly savings.

ALAMOSA – 290 —$729.20

CONEJOS — 167 — $776.26

COSTILLA — 59 — $982.20

MINERAL — 50 — $661.07

RIO GRANDE — 301 — $783.15

SAGUACHE — 220 — $823.84

Linda Gann is the Senior Manager, Western Slope Region for Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s health insurance marketplace. We were created in 2011 as a public nonprofit to help individuals, families and small businesses buy health insurance and apply for financial help to reduce costs. We provide the only place where Coloradans can compare their private health insurance options side by side and estimate their out-of-pocket costs using an industry-leading tool.