The Health District of Northern Larimer County, in conjunction with other organizations, is launching a local effort to help residents of Larimer County understand and participate in new health coverage options, including the state's new online health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.

The new effort, called Larimer Health Connect, launches Oct. 1 when the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace opens.

Starting in October, Connect for Health Colorado offers individuals, families and small employers a new online marketplace for health insurance, and exclusive access to new up‐front financial assistance, based on income, to reduce costs. Customers shop through a website, and can get expert help in person and over the phone from a network of professionals, including Customer Service Center Representatives, certified Health Coverage Guides and certified health insurance agents and brokers. The Marketplace is a public, non‐profit entity that was established by a 2011 state law.

The open enrollment period is Oct. 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Coverage begins as early as Jan. 1, 2014 if insurance is purchased by Dec. 15, 2013.

As a Connect for Health Colorado Certified Assistance Site, the Health District will have certified Health Coverage Guides at multiple locations who can provide in-person assistance to individuals, families and small businesses looking to shop for and purchase private health insurance available through the Marketplace. Guides also can go over the financial assistance options that are available exclusively through Connect for Health Colorado.

In-person assistance is available at five locations in Larimer County. (See below.) Staff at each site also will be able to determine if people are eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus, and help with the application process if they are.

Connect for Health Colorado is available to individuals and families who buy their own health insurance, currently do not have health insurance or do not have access to affordable coverage through an employer.  Employer-provided health insurance not considered to be affordable is insurance that covers you only – not your spouse or dependents – and that costs more than 9.5 percent of your household income. The Marketplace is also available to small businesses and non-profit organizations with 2–50 full-time-equivalent employees who want to help their employees obtain quality health insurance.

To make an appointment at a Larimer Health Connect assistance site, call 970-472-0444 M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., or visit www.LarimerHealthConnect.org. Walk-ins and same-day appointments may be available at some locations. It is recommended to call first and check availability.

Starting in October, people also can browse or select health-care plans for themselves, their family or their company directly by going to www.connectforhealthco.com or by calling 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (1-855-752-6749).

The Health District is a public agency that provides dental, mental health, prescription assistance and health promotion services to residents of northern Larimer County.

Larimer Health Connect
Certified Assistance Site Locations

North Larimer County Locations

Larimer Health Connect Old Town
144 N. Mason St., Unit 7
(2 hours free parking in the Mason Street parking garage)
Fort Collins, CO 80524

@ Larimer County Department
of Human Services
1501 Blue Spruce Drive, First Floor
Fort Collins, CO 80524     

@ Family Medicine Center
1025 Pennock Place
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(By appointment only)

@Salud Family Health Center
1635 Blue Spruce Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(By appointment only)

South Larimer County Location

@ Larimer County Offices
205 E. 6^th St., Second Floor
Loveland, CO 80537