Colorado Access Returns to the Individual Market
Colorado Access is making a significant comeback. The health plan, widely known for its Medicaid offerings, will rejoin Colorado’s individual ACA market in 2027, according to a March 18 announcement from the Colorado Division of Insurance.This development marks an important shift in the state’s health insurance landscape. Moreover, it signals growing confidence in Colorado’s insurance marketplace.
A spokesperson for the Department of Insurance confirmed that Colorado Access previously exited the individual market back in 2016. After more than a decade away, the nonprofit plan is returning with a clear mission — to serve members navigating complex coverage transitions.
What Is Colorado Access Choice?
A Plan Built for Transitioning Members
Through its subsidiary, Access Connected Care Partners, Colorado Access is launching a new product called Colorado Access Choice. The plan is specifically designed for individuals transitioning from Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).
This is a meaningful distinction. Medicaid transitions are often disruptive for members, especially during eligibility redeterminations. Colorado Access Choice aims to bridge that gap directly.
A Local, Nonprofit Approach
Colorado Access is a local, nonprofit health plan that has been serving members, providers, and community partners throughout Colorado for more than three decades. Its deep roots in the community give the plan a strong foundation for serving vulnerable populations who need continuity of care.
Annie Lee, President and CEO of Colorado Access, emphasized the organization’s mission clearly. “We believe everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable coverage that is rooted in their local communities,” she stated. Furthermore, she added that the goal is to expand choice while continuing to put members and patients first.
Why This Move Matters for Medicaid Members
Addressing Coverage Disruptions
As eligibility changes, redeterminations, and federal policies affect coverage, the new plan aims to maintain continuity for members at risk of losing coverage. This is particularly timely. Medicaid redeterminations have left many low-income individuals vulnerable to coverage gaps across the country.
A Trusted Local Option
Colorado Access CEO Annie Lee explained the motivation behind the plan’s launch. “Our goal is to help reduce those disruptions by offering a trusted, local option that supports continuity of care and connection to community resources,” she noted.
This community-first focus sets Colorado Access Choice apart from larger commercial insurers. It also reflects a growing trend of local, mission-driven plans re-entering the ACA market to fill gaps that bigger insurers often leave behind.
How the Colorado ACA Exchange Grows Stronger
Seven Carriers Set for 2027
With the addition of Colorado Access, seven carriers are now expected to be available on the Colorado exchange in 2027. Select Health entered the marketplace in 2024, and Colorado Access is the second locally rooted plan to join, following Denver Health.
This expanding carrier base is a positive signal for competition and consumer choice. More carriers generally mean more plan options, better pricing, and stronger benefits for enrollees.
Commissioner Welcomes the Return
Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway expressed strong support for this development. “I’m pleased to see Colorado Access rejoin our individual market. Two new carriers entering the market in the span of just a few years makes it clear that companies see the value in Colorado’s insurance market,” he said.
Additionally, Commissioner Conway stressed that this growth proves that demanding more for consumers — including better benefits and more affordable premiums — does not have to come at the cost of a competitive marketplace.
What Consumers Can Expect in 2027
Continuity of Care as a Priority
Consumers transitioning off Medicaid will benefit most directly from Colorado Access Choice. The plan’s design prioritizes care continuity, community connection, and local provider relationships. These are elements that enrollees with complex health needs value highly.
Open Enrollment Details
Plan Year 2027 open enrollment will take place in late 2026. Consumers interested in Colorado Access Choice can visit coaccesschoice.com for more details. In addition to entering the individual market, Colorado Access specializes in navigating the complex needs of individuals covered by Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and CHP+, particularly those facing significant barriers to accessing care.
This specialized expertise gives Colorado Access Choice a distinct advantage in serving members who are often underserved by mainstream commercial insurers.
Conclusion
Colorado Access’s return to the individual ACA market in 2027 is good news for Colorado consumers — especially those moving off Medicaid coverage. The launch of Colorado Access Choice through Access Connected Care Partners reflects a strong commitment to coverage continuity, community care, and local accountability. As the state’s exchange grows to seven carriers, competition strengthens and consumer options expand. Coloradans navigating coverage transitions will now have a trusted, locally rooted plan to turn to.
