Media Contact Jim Williams, Communications Specialist 303-441-1260

Boulder County offers help to residents in need of health coverage

County conducting outreach to the uninsured during open enrollment period

Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County has launched an outreach campaign which targets residents who currently do not have health insurance. The campaign encourages them to learn about their options for coverage through Connect for Health Colorado (C4HCO), the state’s health insurance marketplace. The county has increased staff to help residents during the open enrollment period, which runs now through Jan. 31, 2016.

The outreach campaign is titled “Why Me?” and focuses on individuals who have yet to enroll in health insurance even though it is mandated by law under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The county estimates that nearly 10,000 residents are currently living without health insurance, with a majority of these uninsured including Latino residents and young adults. Since the ACA was implemented, Boulder County has seen the number of uninsured resident decrease by 60 percent.

“The county is committed to helping residents get covered through the exchange,” said Patrick Kelly, Project Director for the Boulder County C4HCO Assistance Site. “Our message is straightforward for those who still need to get health coverage – It’s affordable, preventive care is free, and financial assistance is available for many residents.”

Insurance coverage is mandatory and fines for not having coverage are rising sharply in 2016 to 2.5 percent of income above the tax-filing threshold or $695 per adult, whichever is higher. There is also a $347.50 fee per uninsured child.

Boulder County has trained and certified health coverage guides who provide education about insurance options, assist with the online application, and link people to other human services supports as needed. “We see so many Boulder County residents who have been devastated by unexpected medical bills,” said Mili Dawson, a county assistance site manager. “People are sometimes surprised to learn that we can help them find an insurance plan that fits their budget, which means they’ll have the coverage they need when they or a family member has an accident or gets sick.”

The “Why Me?” campaign includes outreach through outdoor, print, theater, and social media advertising as well as community outreach and enrollment events. The campaign web page is www.WhyMeBoulderCounty.org.

For help understanding Colorado’s health insurance marketplace or getting coverage, Boulder County residents are encouraged to call 303-441-1000 to be directed to a county Health Coverage Guide.

To learn more about Boulder County Housing and Human Services, visit www.BoulderCountyHHS.org.