As Unemployment Numbers Dramatically Rise, Colorado Exchange Still Open to Provide Insurance to Coloradans

Denver, CO – Today, the Department of Labor released its weekly numbers of Americans who have filed for unemployment, with 105,073 Coloradans filing claims. This staggering increase is almost double the amount compared with the previous week, bringing the total number of Coloradans making unemployment claims over the last four weeks to 233,000.

Despite Senator Cory Gardner’s ongoing efforts to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—and with it protections for people with pre-existing conditions—Coloradans are able to find coverage for much-needed health care through the Colorado exchange, which announced it would extend its special enrollment period until April 30th. Had Senator Gardner gotten his way and the ACA been eliminated, Coloradans would struggle to find critical coverage during the global pandemic. 

In response, Vanessa Harmoush, spokesperson for Rocky Mountain Values, issued this statement:

“We applaud Governor Polis for opening and extending a special enrollment period for Colorado during the ongoing pandemic. Coloradans are facing extremely tough times, as these unemployment numbers show. While the Governor puts the well-being of Coloradans first, Senator Gardner has fought to take away access to health care that we need now more than ever. It’s time for Gardner to stop siding with special interests and oppose the lawsuit aiming to demolish the Affordable Care Act.”

The regular open enrollment period runs from November 1 to January 1 and is open outside that period only for people who have a qualifying life event. During open enrollment, Americans can shop around and find a plan that works best for them and their family.

For open enrollment information, visit Connect for Health Colorado.