When is Connect for Health Colorado 2027 open enrollment?
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage on Connect for Health Colorado runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, and you must enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
Colorado runs its own marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, so these dates come from Connect for Health Colorado rather than HealthCare.gov. They replace a December 31 deadline announced earlier. After January 15 you need a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 20 to 27, 2026 | Planned maintenance: website, application, customer service and accounts unavailable |
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment starts; current customers are automatically re-enrolled |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| December 16, 2026 to January 15, 2027 | Enrollments start February 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends |
How renewal works for 2027
Connect for Health Colorado automatically re-enrolls current customers at the start of open enrollment. Letting it roll can be costly: the Colorado Division of Insurance approved final 2027 individual market rates on September 22, 2026, with an average increase of 10% statewide and 10.8% in rating area 3, which includes Adams County. Cigna is also leaving Colorado's individual medical market, so Cigna members must choose a new plan.
What changes the answer
A Special Enrollment Period lets you enroll outside these dates after events like losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby. People who qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) can apply any time of year.
The enhanced federal premium tax credits expired, so more households pay more. Colorado Premium Assistance, a state program, helped more than 176,000 customers lower their premiums in 2026 and continues for 2027, according to Connect for Health Colorado.
Who in Adams County this affects
Adams County has more people without health insurance than Colorado as a whole: 11.6% of residents, against 7.7% statewide, in Census estimates for 2020 to 2024. Brighton sits at 10.1%, Thornton at 9.9% and Commerce City at 7.4%. Many are self-employed, between jobs or early retirees waiting for Medicare, the households this window is built for.
Timing examples
Enroll on December 14, 2026 and coverage starts January 1, 2027. Enroll on December 20 and it starts February 1, leaving January uncovered unless your old plan continues. Try on January 20, 2027 and you need a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based coverage or a move into Colorado, to enroll at all.
What to do next
Before November 1, gather your expected 2027 income, your doctors and your prescriptions. Then compare plans instead of accepting the automatic renewal. We help Brighton and Adams County families compare Connect for Health Colorado plans; Adams County is also one of 10 counties with new or expanded enrollment assistance this year.
Related questions
When is Connect for Health Colorado 2027 open enrollment?
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage on Connect for Health Colorado runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, and you must enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
Does Colorado use HealthCare.gov?
No. Colorado runs its own state marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, at connectforhealthco.com.
What if I miss January 15, 2027?
You need a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period, or you can apply for Health First Colorado or CHP+ if your income qualifies.
When does coverage start if I enroll on January 10, 2027?
Enrollments made December 16 through January 15 start February 1, 2027.
Is there no-cost enrollment help in Adams County?
Yes. Connect for Health Colorado names Adams County among the counties with new or expanded enrollment assistance this year, and licensed brokers such as Lisa can help you compare plans at no extra cost.
Sources
- Connect for Health Colorado: State solutions to counter rising costs (July 31, 2026) Connect for Health Colorado
- Connect for Health Colorado: Preparing for Plan Year 2027 Connect for Health Colorado
- Colorado Division of Insurance: Final ACA health insurance premium increases for plan year 2027 (September 22, 2026) Colorado Division of Insurance
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates U.S. Census Bureau
Please note: Headwaters Health and Wealth is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operating on behalf of Connect for Health Colorado, HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or any federal or state government agency. Plan availability, premiums and advance premium tax credits are set by the carriers and the Marketplace.Estimates only. Figures on this page use published plan-year values and the details you enter. They are not a quote, an offer of coverage, or a determination of eligibility. Your final premium and any tax credit are confirmed at enrollment with the carrier or Connect for Health Colorado.
Go deeper
More in connect for health colorado
All answers · Medicare education sessions in Brighton · Official CMS videos and forms