Colorado’s Division of Insurance Shares Bulletin on ARPA Premium Assistance

The Division would like to provide notice that the Commissioner has adopted the following new bulletin:

• B-4.118 American Rescue Plan Act Premium Assistance Applicability to Colorado State Continuation Requirements

The recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) significantly expands and increases individuals’ eligibility for premium assistance related to employer-sponsored plans. Through the ARP, the federal government will pay 100% of insurance premiums for individuals receiving health care coverage through Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage and state continuation plans. The intent of this premium assistance, which began on April 1, 2021 and ends on September 30, 2021, is to help former employees continue their health coverage through their former employers.

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify the Division’s position regarding the applicability of the ARP to Colorado state continuation requirements.