Colohealthop: What Happened to Colorado HealthOP
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If you searched for Colohealthop, you were probably looking for the Colorado HealthOP, a nonprofit health insurance co-op. It no longer sells or provides coverage.
Colorado regulators shut the co-op down in October 2015, so you can't buy a Colohealthop plan today. Here is what happened and where Coloradans can look for coverage now.
What Colohealthop Was
The Colorado HealthOP was a member-run, nonprofit insurer created under the Affordable Care Act's co-op program. It sold individual and family plans, including plans on Colorado's health insurance marketplace.
At its peak, it was the largest insurer on the state exchange, with nearly 83,000 Coloradans enrolled.
Why It Closed
The co-op relied on federal support. When federal officials said they could pay only a small part of the money owed under a program meant to help new insurers, the co-op's finances weakened.
The Colorado Division of Insurance then ordered the co-op to stop selling coverage. Members had to choose a new insurer for 2016.
Where to Find Coverage in Colorado Today
Colorado residents shopping for their own insurance can use Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace.
There you can compare plans side by side and check whether you qualify for premium tax credits or other financial help. Free, certified enrollment experts can help you choose a plan.
The same marketplace can also point you to Health First Colorado (the state's Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus if you may qualify.
Open enrollment begins November 1 each year. Outside that window, you may still enroll after a qualifying life change, such as losing other coverage, moving or having a baby.
The Significance of Health Insurance
Why Coverage Matters:
Health insurance protects your finances and makes it easier to get care when you need it. That was true for Colohealthop members, and it's true for any plan you choose now.
1. Financial Protection
A major procedure or a long illness can be very expensive without insurance. A health plan limits how much you pay out of pocket each year.
2. Access to Care
Most plans work with a network of doctors and hospitals. Staying in network usually keeps your costs lower.
3. Preventive Care
Most health plans, including Marketplace plans, must cover a set of preventive services, such as many screenings and vaccines, generally at no cost when you use an in-network provider.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing you're covered lets you focus on recovery after an unexpected illness or accident. Before you enroll, read each plan's summary of benefits so you know what it covers.
In Conclusion: Prioritize Your Wellbeing
Colohealthop is gone, but Coloradans still have options. Start with the state marketplace, compare plans and check for financial help.
This article is general information, not insurance or medical advice. For questions about your coverage or your health, talk with a licensed insurance expert or your clinician.
Sources
- Largest Health Insurer On Colorado Exchange Collapses, CBS Colorado
- Connect for Health Colorado, Connect for Health Colorado
- Preventive health services, HealthCare.gov
