Colorado ACA Enrollment Drops Less Than Expected

Connect for Health Colorado sees only 2% decline, far below 30% projection

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Despite predictions of a 30% drop in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment in Colorado, Connect for Health Colorado reported a much smaller 2% decline in sign-ups for 2026 health insurance coverage.

Why it matters

The smaller-than-expected enrollment decline in Colorado's ACA marketplace suggests the healthcare law remains resilient, even as some states have seen more significant drops in recent years. This is an encouraging sign for the long-term viability of the ACA in the state.

The details

Connect for Health Colorado, the state's ACA exchange, had projected a 30% decline in enrollment for 2026 coverage. However, the actual drop was just 2%, with over 170,000 Coloradans signing up for plans through the marketplace.

  • Connect for Health Colorado released the 2026 enrollment figures on February 12, 2026.

The players

Connect for Health Colorado

Colorado's state-based health insurance marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act.

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What they’re saying

“We're pleased to see that Coloradans continue to value the affordable, quality health coverage available through our marketplace.”

— Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado (9news.com)

What’s next

Connect for Health Colorado will continue to monitor enrollment trends and work to maintain high participation in the state's ACA marketplace.

The takeaway

Colorado's smaller-than-expected drop in ACA enrollment suggests the healthcare law remains an important source of coverage for many residents, even as some states have seen more significant declines in recent years.