Colorado’s individual health insurance market is bracing for disruption as filings from UnitedHealthcare’s Rocky Mountain HMO and Anthem’s HMO Colorado signal major reductions in plan offerings.
The moves could affect roughly 96,000 policyholders, with state officials warning that federal tax credit uncertainty and potential Medicaid adjustments are fueling instability.
Despite the filings, regulators stress that every county in Colorado will retain at least one plan option. Still, the Division of Insurance (DOI) estimates nearly one-third of the state’s 300,000 individual-market enrollees may feel the impact.
Anthem’s proposed changes would eliminate 21 plans across 11 counties, cutting coverage for about 32,000 members. Another 41 plans would be discontinued in different regions, affecting an additional 37,000 members.
Combined, the reductions account for nearly two-thirds of Anthem’s current individual enrollment. UnitedHealthcare’s Rocky Mountain HMO filing targets 20 plans across seven Denver-area counties, potentially affecting around 26,000 residents.
DOI Commissioner Michael Conway pointed to Congress’s failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits, warning that without federal action, Colorado could see widespread coverage losses and steep premium hikes.
The DOI projects average individual-market premiums to rise 28% statewide in 2026, with increases as high as 38.8% in the Western Slope.
Anthem framed its filing as a procedural requirement tied to the DOI’s 135-day notice rule and suggested some reductions may be reversed after the state completes its rate review.
Most importantly, Anthem will remain in any community where our departure would otherwise leave Coloradans without coverage options
Emily Snooks, Anthem spokesperson
UnitedHealthcare has not issued a statement. Under state law, consumers will receive 90 days’ notice if their plans are discontinued.
With nearly 100,000 people potentially impacted, the filings underscore how federal subsidy policies and regional cost pressures continue to shape access to individual health coverage in Colorado.
