If you missed Open Enrollment and still don’t have health insurance, there’s one more opportunity, and the clock is ticking. Colorado’s Tax Time Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows uninsured Coloradans to enroll in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. But this window only exists while you’re completing your Colorado state taxes, and the deadline is April 15.

This isn’t just a backdoor. It’s a Colorado-specific program built directly into the state tax filing process, and it could be the key to getting you or your clients covered for the rest of the year.

What Is the Tax Time Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period is a time outside of Open Enrollment when qualifying individuals can sign up for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. Most SEPs are triggered by specific life change events, more on those below. The Tax Time SEP is unique: it’s triggered through your Colorado state tax return, not a life event.

This is your last opportunity to enroll in a Marketplace plan for the year if you don’t have another qualifying life event. Once tax season ends on April 15, this door closes.

How Does It Work?

The process runs through your Colorado state income tax return. Here’s what to look for:

When completing your Colorado return, navigate to the “Household’s Health Care Coverage” section. You’ll find two specific questions there. Answer yes to both, or, if you’re working with a tax professional, let them know before they finalize your return that you want to use this enrollment opportunity. It’s important to communicate this before the return is submitted.

Answering yes sends a notice directly to Connect for Health Colorado, indicating that you’d like a chance to enroll in a plan. From there:

1. Watch for an email from Connect for Health Colorado. It will contain a link to their website to begin your enrollment.
2. Contact your Case Manager (CM) or Health Access Program Coordinator (HAPC) as soon as you receive that email. Don’t wait, reach out immediately so they can help you navigate plan selection and enrollment.

What About SDAP Clients?

For clients enrolled in the State Drug Assistance Program (SDAP), this opportunity is especially valuable. SDAP can cover the premium and associated medical and pharmacy copays for your plan. Getting enrolled through the Tax Time SEP means your SDAP benefits can go to work for you right away.

If you’re unsure whether you’re enrolled in SDAP or what your benefits cover, contact your Case Manager or HAPC; they can walk you through everything.

Other Special Enrollment Periods to Know

The Tax Time SEP is the biggest outside of Open Enrollment, but it’s not the only way to qualify for a SEP during the year. Other qualifying life change events include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Moving to Colorado within the last 60 days, if you had health insurance in another state before moving
• Loss of Medicaid eligibility, specifically, if you completed a Medicaid recertification and were determined to be over income, this can trigger a SEP*

*One important note on that last point: this applies only to people who were enrolled in Medicaid and lost eligibility through recertification. Simply applying for Medicaid for the first time during the year, when you don’t qualify, does not trigger a SEP.

If you’ve experienced any of these events in the last 60 days, contact your Case Manager or HAPC right away to explore your options.

The Bottom Line: Act Now

Tax season is already underway, and April 15 will be here before you know it. If you or someone you know is currently uninsured, this is the moment to act. Here’s your action checklist:

• File your Colorado state taxes before April 15
• Answer yes to both health coverage questions in the “Household’s Health Care Coverage” section, or tell your tax preparer you want to use this opportunity
• Watch your inbox for an email from Connect for Health Colorado
• Contact your Case Manager or HAPC the moment you receive it

Health coverage matters, not just for managing chronic conditions, but for accessing the care that keeps you healthy. Our Health Access team is here to help every step of the way.

Questions? Contact Colorado Health Network’s Health Access team to connect with an HAPC.