An email from the Connect for Health Colorado explains that the Halbig ruling will not affect subsidies in Colorado…
Tuesday’s ruling in US Court of Appeals in Washington DC has no impact on customers of Connect for Health Colorado – or in other states like Colorado that operate their own state-based health insurance Marketplaces (exchanges).
The case was a challenge centered on subsidies (tax credits) paid to residents of the 36 states on the federal exchange. The Obama Administration has already announced it is appealing today’s decision. The Appellate Court also ruled that no subsidies can stop while appeals are under way.
We are fortunate that Colorado’s legislature in 2011, on a bipartisan basis, opted to create a state-based Marketplace in Colorado, which now operates as Connect for Health Colorado. Our customers are not affected by the court ruling. If your clients receive tax credits to help lower the cost of their health insurance, there is no reason for concern about their coverage.
This case will end up in the Supreme Court, no doubt about it. That said, it will not have an effect on Colorado subsidies, regardless of the final ruling.