CoPIRG Foundation Helps Colorado Students Navigate New Health Insurance Landscape

The CoPIRG Foundation Launches Project to Bring Facts and Tips to Thousands of College Students across Colorado

CoPIRG Foundation

With the main parts of the Affordable Care Act now going into effect, the CoPIRG Foundation has launched a statewide education campaign reaching out to Colorado students with facts about the changes, and tips to help them find the right coverage for themselves. 

“Students have lots of questions about health insurance,” said Lisa Ritland, CoPIRG Field Director, “that’s why we’re sharing these tips to help students find good insurance that won’t break the bank.”

The CoPIRG Foundation released the new guide, So You Need Health Insurance. Now What? Colorado Health Insurance 101.

“Many young people are uninsured, or will lose their current coverage pretty soon, but don’t know what to do next,” said Ritland. “Young people will lose their family coverage when they turn 26, or they’ll graduate and have to get off the student health plan. Young people need facts and information in order to make good decisions.”

Beginning January 1, 2014, most Americans will be required to have insurance coverage or pay a fee. On October 1st, Connect for Health Colorado will open for Coloradans looking for health insurance. By visiting Connect for Health Colorado’s website at www.ConnectForHealthCO.com consumers will be able to compare different insurance plans, and find out about financial help they may qualify for to help lower their premiums and out-of-pocket costs. 

CoPIRG Foundation’s top tips for students include:

1. Look into ongoing options such as staying on your parents’ plan until you turn 26, or enrolling in the student health plan.
2. Check out new options at Connect for Health Colorado online at www.ConnectForHealthCO.com or by phone at (855) 752-6749. Plans listed there cover preventive care, hospitalizations, office visits, prescriptions and more.
3. Find out about financial help that’s available when you apply at Connect for Health Colorado.
4. Compare plans side-by-side, in plain language at Connect for Health Colorado.
5. Don’t let insurance companies turn you away if you have a pre-existing condition. 
6. Get expert help comparing insurance plans and signing up online, by phone or in-person. Connect with specially trained people who can help you at Connect for Health Colorado. 
7. Find out more in the online guide, So, You Need Health Insurance. Now What? Colorado Health Insurance 101, at http://www.copirgstudents.org/resources/co/so-you-need-health-insurance-now-what
8. Get involved in the campaign as a volunteer or intern to help get the word out on campus. Find out more at www.copirgstudents.org/internships