March 31 Is Last Call for Health Insurance Enrollment

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Mar 20, 2014) - Coloradans who miss the March 31 health insurance enrollment deadline may not be able to get covered until 2015. For those who are applying for health insurance tax credits, a process that may take up to a week, this means that they should not wait until the last minute to shop for insurance. Colorado HealthOP, the state's first statewide nonprofit health insurance CO-OP, today launched a "Last Call" campaign intended to raise awareness of the impending deadline and encourage Coloradans to get covered.

The Last Call campaign kicked off this morning on Denver's 16^th Street Mall. Colorado HealthOP created an energetic and educational juice bar scene with model "bartenders" and "cocktail servers" handing out samples of fruit juice and informational materials. The materials and event are designed to encourage consumers to take advantage of the next 10 days, the timeframe they have to purchase health insurance.

"When many people hear the words 'last call' in a bar setting, they know it's time to take action. This event is a tongue-in-cheek way to help Coloradans understand that this is truly the last call to buy health insurance in 2014," said Julia Hutchins, chief executive officer of Colorado HealthOP. "After March 31, it's closing time for open enrollment."

Colorado HealthOP also had health insurance experts available to answer questions and help those seeking health insurance learn how to get covered. Following the event, Colorado HealthOP encourages information-seekers to visit www.COHealthOP.org or connect via Facebook (facebook.com/COHealthOP) and Twitter (@COHealthOP) to follow the Last Call campaign, get enrollment updates and to ask questions.

"It is a historic time for healthcare," said Hutchins. "We are committed to helping as many Coloradans as possible get covered."

Colorado HealthOP urges individuals who do not yet have health insurance coverage to follow these steps:

1. Think about what kind of coverage you need. Call 855-697-1652.
2. Find out if you qualify for financial help to pay for it.
3. Do not wait until the last minute, or you will miss the deadline. Tax credit eligibility can take up to a week to process, so plan accordingly.
4. Sign up by March 31 to be covered in 2014 and avoid a tax penalty.
5. Get your questions answered and find the best plan for you. Colorado HealthOP can help. Visit www.COHealthOP.org.

For more information about Colorado HealthOP, please visit www.COHealthOP.org.

This event is coordinated by Colorado HealthOP, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any other group.

About Colorado HealthOP
Colorado HealthOP offers a new alternative to traditional health insurance in Colorado. A nonprofit health insurance cooperative, Colorado HealthOP and its members are committed to providing affordable, quality coverage to individuals and employers interested in making a difference in their own health, their employees' health and the health of their community. Colorado HealthOP aims to improve health outcomes by putting the responsibility for consumers' care back into the hands of the cooperative's members and providers. A private market solution tailored for individuals and employers, Colorado HealthOP began open enrollment in October 2013 via Connect for Health Colorado, Colorado's health insurance marketplace, and through independent brokers and agents. For more information about Colorado HealthOP, please visit www.COHealthOP.org or call 720.627.8900.