Make Sure You Have the Right Health Coverage for 2026

It’s that time of year again—health insurance open enrollment is here. Whether you purchase your own insurance through the Marketplace or are reviewing Medicare Advantage options, now is the time to ensure your coverage fits your health needs and budget for the year ahead.

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1. Private Health Insurance Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment Dates:
November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026

• Apply by December 15, 2025 for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
• January 15, 2026 is the last day to apply for 2026 health insurance.

Don’t assume your current plan will renew automatically!
Many plan changes are expected for 2026, including coverage networks, deductibles, and monthly premiums. Take a few minutes to review your options and ensure your plan still meets your healthcare needs.

Local Enrollment Assistance

Residents of Lake and Chaffee Counties can get free, personalized help from:
Michelle Nay, Certified Health Coverage Guide with Connect For Health
 Virtual or phone appointments available
Call or text 719-839-9714 to schedule

Appointments fill quickly—book early! Michelle offers free screen-share sessions to walk you through the Connect for Health Colorado enrollment site.

Schedule an appointment with Michelle - click here.

Before Your Appointment

Save time by logging into your Connect for Health Colorado account ahead of time:

• If you have an account, test your login.
• If you forgot your password, click “Forgot your password?”
• If you can’t reset your password, call the Connect for Health Service Center: 1-855-752-6749

You’ll also need to bring:

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for all family members
• Employer information and recent income documents (two pay stubs, or tax return if self-employed)
• Information on current doctors, medications, and hospitals you prefer
• Your healthcare needs and budget for 2026

 Tip: You can preview 2026 plans starting October 20!
Visit the Quick Cost & Plan Finder Tool to estimate your costs and compare plans in your area.

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2. Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans

The 2025 Medicare Open Enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7, 2025

If you’re eligible for Medicare, it’s equally important to understand your Medicare Advantage options during this open enrollment period.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans combine your Medicare hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage—and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D), plus additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care.

However, not all plans are the same. Some have provider network restrictions or coverage differences that could impact your access to care locally.

At St. Vincent Health, we encourage patients to review plan details carefully before making changes. Learn more about the important facts to consider at:
 stvincent.health/medicare-advantage-facts

Assistance researching or choosing a Medicare plan is available.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

• (719) 471-2096 for information or to schedule an appointment
• 1 (888) 696-7213 to speak to a SHIP counselor toll-free

Your Health, Your Choice

Health coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all—and this is the perfect time to make sure your insurance aligns with your personal and family needs for 2026.