COLORADO INSURANCE LAW REQUIRES ALL CARRIERS IN THE SMALL GROUP MARKET TO ISSUE ANY HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN IT MARKETS IN COLORADO TO SMALL EMPLOYERS OF 2-50 EMPLOYEES INCLUDING A BASIC OR STANDARD HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN, UPON THE REQUEST OF A SMALL EMPLOYER TO THE ENTIRE SMALL GROUP, REGARDLESS OF THE HEALTH STATUS OF ANY OF THE INDIVIDUALS IN THE GROUP. BUSINESS GROUPS OF ONE CANNOT BE REJECTED UNDER A BASIC OR STANDARD HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN DURING ENROLLMENT PERIODS AS SPECIFIED BY LAW.
Important Information for Employers with 50 or Fewer Employees and Business Groups of One: Rates are calculated based on allowable case characteristics-age bands, geographic location and family size-and will be given within five working days of request. Rates for a specific employer cannot be adjusted due to the experience, health status or duration of coverage of employees or dependents of the small employer. Rates may change based on case characteristics, whenever benefits are changed, or upon giving written notice to the employer not less than 31 days prior to the effective date of the change. New applicants may be subject to pre-existing condition clauses, based on HIPAA requirements. Renewal of health insurance coverage in this class is guaranteed, assuming compliance with underwriting regulations. A Network Access Plan, which describes Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's network standards and evaluation procedures for ensuring provider access, is available by calling 303-831-2900 or 1-800-331-6170.
Colorado law requires carriers to make available a Colorado Health Plan Description Form, which is intended to facilitate comparison of health plans. The form must be provided automatically within three (3) business days to a potential policyholder who has expressed interest in a particular plan. The carrier also must provide the form, upon oral or written request, within three (3) business days, to any person who is interested in coverage under or who is covered by a health benefit plan of the carrier.