It’s time to start thinking about your 2018 health insurance coverage

This year, more than any other, it will pay to shop around for your health insurance coverage. Colorado health insurers have announced that they plan to charge customers in the individual market an average of nearly 27 percent more for premiums in 2018, according to the state Division of Insurance. Last year’s increase was 20 percent.

The projected increases have been submitted by insurance companies to the Colorado Division of Insurance, with final premium numbers set to be released in late September or early October, in advance of open enrollment. Uncertainty over efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is being credited at least in part for the large increase.

The huge requested increases make the 2017-2018 open enrollment period — November 1 to December 15, 2017 for a January 1, 2018 Effective Date — extremely important. HOWEVER, the enrollment period does extend from December 16 to January 12, 2018, for a February 1 Effective Date. There will be no extensions to this open enrollment period. It’s time to shop around among available policies for you and your family and select one that strikes the best balance between coverage quality and affordability. It is anticipated based upon filings made by the insurance companies that many of the carriers will change how they work with agents, but more to come as news is released.

We’re here to help you with all of your health care needs. Whether you have questions about the status of the Affordable Care Act or your own health insurance coverage, just give us a call. We look forward to providing you with the information you need to make the best health care decisions for you and your family.