In Region VIII (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming), only Colorado is currently running its own State-Based Marketplace, called Connect for Health Colorado; the other states in the region are using the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), which can be accessed at Healthcare.gov. The Open Enrollment Period for the 2026 Federal Marketplace and Colorado’s State-Based Marketplace began on November 1, 2025 and will end on January 15, 2026.

Important dates regarding coverage for the Federal Marketplace:

    • December 15, 2025: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2026.
    • January 1, 2026: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15, 2025 and pay their first premium.
    • February 1, 2026: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16, 2025 through January 15, 2026 and pay their first premium.

Consumers who experience certain qualifying life events may be able to obtain Marketplace coverage outside of open enrollment through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) between January 16, 2026 and October 31, 2026. People can apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of year.

Health Centers are uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of helping clients to enroll in either SBMs or FFMs. The resources and information available on these webpages are provided to assist Health Center staff with their outreach and enrollment needs and help educate Health Center patients about how to understand and utilize health insurance.

Please click for information and resources on:
Health Insurance Literacy
Health Insurance Marketplaces
Outreach & Enrollment Tips and Tools

To receive updates on outreach and enrollment topics such as health insurance policy changes, upcoming trainings and webinars, resources to close the gap, and other outreach and enrollment resources, sign up for the CHAMPS Healthy Communities Communiqué .

Are you a staff member at a State Primary Care Association in Region VIII?  Click here to view opportunities to network with your Region VIII colleagues.

Please contact the CHAMPS Programs Coordinator, Population Health if you have any questions about these materials or would like to share any other useful resources.