Colorado Lawmakers Address 175% Premium Hike Threatening Health Coverage for Thousands

In a critical meeting of the Colorado State Legislature's Senate Finance Committee on August 24, 2025, lawmakers addressed alarming projected increases in health insurance premiums that could significantly impact thousands of residents across the state. The discussions centered on the failure of the federal government to extend enhanced advanced premium tax credits, which have been essential in keeping health insurance premiums manageable for many Coloradans.

Senator Kolker highlighted that over 80% of individuals enrolled in Connect for Health Colorado could face an average premium increase of nearly 175% annually. In Aurora, for instance, the net premium increase is projected at 179%, translating to a jump from $64 to $169 per month for individual coverage. The implications are dire, with an estimated 8,700 people in Arapahoe County alone expected to lose their health insurance, contributing to an overall enrollment loss of 25%.

The meeting revealed staggering premium increases across various counties, with some areas like Crowley and Delta seeing increases of 334% and 331%, respectively. These figures raise serious concerns about the affordability of health insurance, with many residents potentially facing premiums that exceed their mortgage payments. The committee acknowledged that the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIE) cannot fully mitigate these losses but discussed reallocating funds to support reinsurance programs and subsidies for low-income residents.

Senator Kolker emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This bill is about saving lives. Thousands of Colorado lives." The proposed measures aim to protect existing programs that help reduce premium increases, ensuring that more Coloradans can maintain access to necessary healthcare services.

The meeting also highlighted the broader implications of these discussions, as lawmakers recognized that without intervention, an estimated 100,000 to 110,000 Coloradans could lose their health insurance coverage. This potential loss would disproportionately affect those in the individual market, particularly in areas like Weld and Summit Counties, where up to 45% of individuals may be unable to afford their insurance.

As the committee continues to deliberate on these pressing issues, the urgency for effective solutions to maintain affordable healthcare access in Colorado remains paramount. The anticipated next steps include further discussions on funding allocations and potential amendments to the proposed legislation, as lawmakers strive to address the looming crisis in health insurance affordability.