The new health law requires everyone to have health insurance by Jan. 1 or face fines.
Five things to know about getting health insurance in Colorado:
SHOPPING IS OPEN: Colorado is one of 17 states that opted to create its own marketplace to help people compare health insurance plans before they choose one. Customers can go to and start enrolling on Oct. 1.
NO SHUTDOWN WORRIES: Colorado’s exchange is already funded, and not part of the current budget stalemate in Congress. That means the exchange won’t be immediately affected.
DON’T RUSH: Shopping began Tuesday, but there’s no reason to commit. Coverage doesn’t start until January, and there’s no penalty for waiting to decide what insurance to pick.
BEFORE YOU START: Figure out your best estimate of what your 2014 income will be. That will determine whether you will qualify for tax credits to help buy a private insurance plan. The government will send money directly to your insurer, and you’ll make arrangements to pay any remaining premium
STILL CONFUSED? Colorado has been one of the nation’s heaviest spenders on “navigators,” people trained to walk new customers through their options and find the best deal. Confused customers can call for help, or request in-person assistance through the website.
