March 24, 2015
On March 10, 2015, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) issued a news release related to exchange special enrollment periods (SEPs) and federal income tax penalties. As background, on Feb. 20, 2015, the federal government announced it would allow a special enrollment period related to the federal tax penalty for consumers in states with health exchanges run by the federal government. According to the news release, Colorado’s exchange is not run by the federal government, and therefore Colorado may make its own decisions related to SEPs. The bulletin states that DOI will not allow a SEP for 2015 health insurance coverage for individuals who will have to pay a tax penalty for not having health insurance in 2014. The press release describes the various factors weighed in coming to that conclusion.
The SEP generally relates to individual coverage, and does not directly affect employers. However, employers should be aware of the press release, should employees have questions related to federal tax penalties or exchange enrollment. The press release includes phone numbers individuals who have questions relating to special enrollments may call for information.
News Release »