Record unemployment leaves thousands without health insurance in Colorado

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - As thousands of Coloradans get laid off and lose their jobs due to COVID-19 restrictions, many of them are also losing their health insurance coverage they depended on through their employers.

If that's you, Connect for Health Colorado -- the state's insurance marketplace -- wants you to know you have sixty days to get new health insurance.

Connect for Health Colorado is a public nonprofit that works with the state government and private healthcare providers to expand access, affordability and choice for individuals purchasing health insurance throughout the state.

According to its website, Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where residents can apply for Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions to lower the cost of private health insurance.

Once online at Connect for Health Colorado, you'll be prompted to answer questions to figure out whether you might qualify for Medicare or Health First Colorado federal-state funded insurance programs. If you don't, the organization provides tools that allow customers to easily compare plans and prices from multiple insurance companies, and search for preferred providers and medications.

KRDO crews plan to speak with a spokesperson for the marketplace today, to learn more about the struggles Coloradans are currently facing involving health insurance access, and where they can find help.

We'll have the full story tonight on KRDO at five and six.