Can I go without insurance?

Important Dates

Nov. 1, 2023
2024 open enrollment for Connect for Health Colorado begins and you can see if you qualify for financial assistance.

Jan. 15, 2024
Connect for Health Colorado open enrollment period for 2024 closes, but you can still apply and get covered if you have a qualifying life event. Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) enrollment is year-round.

Most people are required to have health insurance coverage. Coverage may include employer-provided insurance, coverage an individual purchases on their own, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), Medicare, or TRICARE.

The requirement applies to individuals of all ages, including children. An adult or married couple who can claim a child or another individual as a dependent for federal income tax purposes is responsible for making the payment if the dependent does not have coverage or an exemption.

Exemptions from the Insurance Requirement

Though most people are required to have health insurance, several groups are exempt from the requirement to obtain coverage, including but not limited to:

  • people who are uninsured for less than 3 months of the year
  • people who would have to pay more than 8% of their income for health insurance
  • people with incomes below the threshold required for filing taxes.
  • members of a federally recognized tribe or anyone eligible for services through an Indian Health Services provider
  • members of a recognized health care sharing ministry
  • members of a recognized religious sect with religious objections to insurance, including Social Security and Medicare
  • people who are incarcerated, and not awaiting the disposition of charges
  • people who are not lawfully present in the U.S.
  • people who qualify for a “hardship exemption”

Coloradans who want to apply for an exemption should submit the appropriate form to the federal government to receive an exemption code. Then Coloradans will need to provide the exemption code into the Connect for Health Colorado website to gain access to catastrophic health plan options.

Get more information about how to apply for an exemption to the individual mandate in Colorado.

Proof of Coverage Provided by Your Health Plan

Health insurance plans will provide documentation to clients to prove they have the minimum coverage required by law. When you file your tax return you will have to enter information about your coverage status, or if you were eligible for an exemption, on your tax return. Insurers will provide a notice to you by January 31 that describes your coverage status during the previous year.

The federal government oversees the enforcement of the mandate. Please contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information.