Colorado Regulators Say Individual Health Premiums Set to Jump About 28%

Colorado's insurance regulator has released preliminary figures indicating that health insurance premiums in the individual market, used by people who do not get coverage through an employer, are set to rise by an average of about 28% for the coming plan year, with some regions facing increases above 38%. The Division of Insurance attributed the proposed increases primarily to federal changes affecting health care funding and the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which had made marketplace coverage substantially more affordable. The loss of that assistance also reduces funding for the state's reinsurance program, which the division said accounts for a meaningful share of the overall increase. Officials warned that consumers earning above a certain income threshold could lose subsidies entirely, sharply raising their out-of-pocket costs. Colorado said the trend is not unique to the state and that other markets are likely to see similar increases. The filings remain subject to regulatory review before rates are finalised, and the division plans public input sessions. Analysts have warned that higher premiums could push healthier people to drop coverage, further pressuring rates.