Colorado’s individual health insurance market is facing significant changes that could impact around 96,000 residents. Two major insurers, UnitedHealthcare and Anthem, have filed plans to reduce their offerings. This decision comes amid uncertainty over federal tax credits and potential adjustments to Medicaid.
State regulators assure that despite these reductions, every county in Colorado will still have at least one health insurance option available to residents. The Colorado Division of Insurance estimates that nearly one-third of the 300,000 people who buy their own coverage could be affected by these changes.
Anthem’s filings indicate they will eliminate 21 plans across 11 counties, impacting about 32,000 members. Additionally, they will discontinue 41 more plans in other regions, affecting another 37,000 members. This accounts for two-thirds of Anthem’s current enrollment in the individual market in Colorado. Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare’s changes will impact around 26,000 residents in seven counties in the Denver area.
Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway pointed to the lack of renewed federal premium tax credits as a key reason behind these cuts. He warned that without immediate federal action, many people could face steep rate increases, and over 100,000 individuals might lose their coverage altogether.
The Division of Insurance has projected an average premium increase of about 28% for individual plans statewide in 2026, with some areas, like the Western Slope, seeing increases as high as 38.8%. Anthem described its filing as a necessary procedural step and expressed hope that they could reverse some of the plan discontinuations once the state completes its rate review.
Anthem spokesperson Emily Snooks emphasized that the company wants to maintain coverage options for Colorado residents and hopes to offer plans in as many regions as possible after the review process. UnitedHealthcare did not comment on the situation.
Under state law, insurers must notify the Division of Insurance at least 135 days in advance before discontinuing plans. The deadline for plans effective January 1, 2026, was August 19, and consumers will receive a 90-day notice about any coverage changes.
As these developments unfold, many are left wondering how they will affect Colorado’s health insurance landscape and what options will remain available to individuals seeking coverage.