Larimer health connect FAQs

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You don’t have to navigate health insurance coverage alone

Health insurance can feel complicated and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance your health, your budget and your family’s needs. Our community members aren’t always sure where to start or whether they’re choosing the best option for their situation.

That’s exactly why Larimer Health Connect exists.

You deserve access to coverage that fits your life, so Larimer Health Connect’s coverage guides are here to walk you through your options for free so you can feel confident about your decisions.

The best place to go is Connect for Health Colorado, the health insurance marketplace. We can also help you navigate it.

You may come across websites that look similar and offer free quotes in exchange for your contact information. Please keep in mind that these sites are often run by insurance brokers who will follow up with you directly.

We’re a special government district. That means we’re funded by local taxpayer dollars, so our focus can be on supporting the health of the community rather than making a profit. Our funding allows us to offer free coverage guidance to help people understand their options, avoid gaps in coverage and get connected to the care they need.

Also known as a specialist or assister guide, a health coverage guide can:

  • Review affordable health insurance plan options that best fit your needs
  • Explain your costs
  • Help you complete your application for Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  • Help you transition to Medicare

No. Because we don’t work for insurance companies, our guides provide unbiased, non-sales help.

The Open Enrollment period is when you can sign up for a health insurance plan. It only happens once a year, usually from around early November through mid-January.

However, if you’re eligible, you can enroll in Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) throughout the year.

If you lose your health coverage, you have a 60-day window to sign up for new insurance through a special enrollment period. This kicks in when you have a big life change—like losing job-based coverage, getting married or having a baby.

Sometimes folks in our community confuse us with Medicaid or the Department of Human Services. Larimer Health Connect is what’s considered a Certified Assistance Site. We don’t provide Medicaid—but we can help you navigate it.

Be aware that some notices and messages are designed to look like they’re coming from Medicaid when they may not be legitimate. Bring any letters, emails or other correspondence you’ve received to your appointment, and we can help you review them and figure out what’s real and what steps, if any, you need to take.

Coverage changes connected to federal policy could affect costs, eligibility, financial help and plan options for families. Even if you’ve had the same plan for years, it’s important to take time to review your coverage before renewing. A plan that worked last year might not be the best fit this year. Our guides will walk through changes with you, answering questions and helping you understand your options in plain language.

We’re happy to go through your coverage options virtually through a Zoom appointment. We’ll also walk you through Zoom if you’re not familiar with how it works.

We have multiple guides who speak Spanish.