Newly released data from the Colorado Health Institute show that the uninsured rate in Larimer County has dropped by more than half in the past two years, but that nearly 18,000 county residents still lack health insurance.

With work still to be done, Larimer Health Connect is continuing to help local residents with their health insurance needs, offering free assistance year-round, as well as during open enrollment periods.

A program of the Health District of the Northern Larimer County, Larimer Health Connect is a free local service that helps people understand their health insurance options and apply for coverage. It provides assistance for lower-cost health plans from the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace, as well as the public insurance programs Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).

Larimer Health Connect has provided assistance to nearly 4,000 Larimer County residents since opening in the fall of 2013.

Throughout the summer, Certified Health Coverage Guides from the program have been helping people who experienced a mid-year “life-change event” enroll in a new marketplace plan or change an existing policy. Life-change events include such things as marriage, divorce, birth of a child and change of job or residence. Ordinarily people can change coverage in the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace only during the open enrollment period that comes once a year.

Enrollment – and enrollment assistance – is available year-round for Medicaid and CHP+.

The next open enrollment for the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace begins Nov. 1, when Larimer Health Connect will offer assistance at a variety of Fort Collins and Loveland locations. Meanwhile, assistance is available by appointment at Larimer Health Connect’s Old Town office or at the Health District offices in north Fort Collins.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (970) 472-0444 or visit larimerhealthconnect.org.