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Health Insurance Literacy
San Juan Basin Public Health's Health Insurance Literacy Program believes that access to affordable healthcare is a right. We increase awareness in the community of health insurance options and provide assistance with obtaining private coverage and financial assistance through Connect for Health Colorado. Our program also offers enrollment application guidance for public programs, such as Health First Colorado and CHP+. By providing individual consultations we help community members reach their highest potential for health.
Colorado Coverage
Health Insurance more important than ever this year. In today's world, more than ever, everyone should have the protection of health insurance. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how major medical events can happen to any of us, old or young, strong or healthy. While health insurance cannot keep you from getting sick, it can make it easier and less expensive to get the care you need without jeopardizing your health or financial future. Given the challenges we know people are currently facing, SJBPH wants to help you get the protection you need.
Fortunately, almost everyone who needs health insurance will soon be able to enroll in the plan of their choice with the help of Connect for Health Colorado and SJBPH. The majority of applicants eligible for financial help paying for their insurance. Connect for Health and SJBPH do not sell insurance but make it easy to find the best plan for you and your family and we help make sure you don't pay any more for it than you need to.
The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is still in effect and providing affordable private health insurance to thousands of residents of La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan counties. We're here to help you understand the system and make good insurance coverage choices.
Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage, or your children may be able to get low-cost care through CHP+. It's also easier than ever to get help paying for private insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. Whether you want a minimal coverage plan to keep your monthly costs down or a more generous plan to cover expenses you know you'll have, there are over 34 plan choices available from 2 different insurance companies, and the choice is yours. It only takes 5 minutes or less to find out how much help you can get.
If you already have health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, we can help you review your plan to make sure it is still the right choice for you and your family. New lower rates may make better coverage available without increasing your cost. Let us show you the options.
Further Information
Give us a call at 970-335-2028 (Durango office) or 970-264-2409 ext. 3004 (Pagosa office). You can make an appointment, get a quick estimate of your eligibility, or just ask a question. We'll also be in the community in-person and virtually to talk to you and answer your questions. See SJBPH's scheduled events here and check back for additions to the schedule. As always, this is a free public service of San Juan Basin Public Health and Connect for Health Colorado.
Important Dates
- Open Enrollment: November 1 to January 15.
- Special Enrollment Period: If you have a life changing event, such as a recent loss of insurance, you may eligible for a 60 day special enrollment period where you can apply for tax credits and shop online at Connect for Health Colorado for health insurance.
The information on Form 1095-A will help you report your health insurance coverage and any financial assistance you may have received last year to the IRS. Be sure to keep the document in a safe spot you can easily access when you prepare your taxes.
When filing your Colorado State Taxes, you can check a box to say you're uninsured and want to find out if you or members of your household qualify for free or low-cost health insurance.
Visit Colorado's Health Insurance Marketplace Tax Time Enrollment Website
Insurance is complicated. That's why Connect for Health Colorado offers a state-wide network of certified experts who can help you complete your application in person and for free.
Health Coverage Guides are available at San Juan Basin Public Health to provide education about affordable health insurance to their respective communities. While they can't make specific plan recommendations, these trusted experts can help you enroll and apply for financial assistance to lower your costs. They are also very experienced in helping with complicated situations such as when one family member receives public assistance while the others do not.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Connect for Health Colorado® is Colorado's official health insurance marketplace, and the only place to apply for financial help to reduce your monthly health insurance costs. The financial help you can get through Connect for Health Colorado to lower your monthly payment is called a Premium Tax Credit. Coloradans that qualify for financial help may also qualify for healthcare discounts, called cost-sharing reductions, that lower the amount you pay when you use your plan. Healthcare discounts are available on silver-level plans sold through Connect for Health Colorado.
San Juan Basin Public Health is a Connect for Health Colorado Enrollment Center serving Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan counties with certified assisters to find a health insurance plan based on your specific needs, help you apply for financial help, and help you sign up for that plan. All health insurance plans sold through Connect or Health Colorado cover essential health benefits and you cannot be charged more or prevented from getting the care you need because of a pre-existing condition.
Insurance Companies
Connect for Health Colorado offers health insurance plans from the following companies:
- Anthem
- Rocky Mountain Health Plans
The OmniSalud Program is for anyone who is a resident of Colorado, regardless of Citizenship or immigration status, to purchase individual and family health coverage plans on Colorado Connect. Some may be eligible for a plan at zero cost per month, depending on income. Our Health Coverage Guides at San Juan Basin Public Health can answer any questions and assist with the application process.
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Emma Tomlinson
Lead Health Coverage GuidePhone: 970-335-2021Durango office
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Karen Evans
Health Coverage GuidePhone: 970-264-2409, ext. 3004Pagosa Spring office