Colorado Modernizes Insurance Standards: Key Repeals & Consumer-Focused Health Plan Enhancements

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CO| Recent regulatory actions by the Colorado Division of Insurance includes amendments to health insurance regulations, enhancements to the Colorado Option, and the formal repeal of several existing property and casualty rules and bulletins. These changes modernize standards for claims, appeals, prior authorization, insurance policy language, and health plan coverage, and they also remove guidance and regulations that have been superseded or are no longer necessary due to statutory updates.

Adopted Regulations Amendments & Repeals

DocumentDescription
Amended-Regulation 4-2-17Updates processes for prompt investigation of health claims, utilization review, and standardized appeals procedures for denied benefits and rescission cases, effective January 1, 2026
Amended-Regulation 4-2-49Revises and strengthens requirements for prior authorization of drug benefits, including timelines, exception processes for non-formulary drugs, and electronic submission standards, effective January 1, 2026
Amended-Regulation 4-2-81Establishes new standardized plan rules for Colorado Option bronze, silver, and gold plans, including specific benefit and cost-sharing requirements, effective January 1, 2026
Amended-Regulation 4-2-83Provides standards for the new Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise subsidies, including premium wrap and cost-sharing reductions for Colorado Option Silver plans, effective January 1, 2026
Amended Regulation 4-2-101Sets reporting requirements for prior authorization in prescription drug coverage and ensures transparency in carrier processes, effective January 1, 2026
Repeal of 4-3-3Repeals the special enrollment period regulation for certain Medicare Supplement Plan C/F policyholders, which had provided transition options due to federal changes, effective January 1, 2026
Repealed 5-1-24Repeals language requirements for insurance policy documents, which had mandated translation and specific document provisions tied to advertising in non-English languages. This regulation will be repealed effective December 30, 2025
Repealed 5-2-3Repeals rules on insurer responses to requests for automobile policy information from claimants or attorneys (formerly Colorado Insurance Regulation 5-2-03). The repeal is effective December 30, 2025
Repealed-Bulletin 1.33Withdraws guidance on the process for claimants/attorneys requesting auto policy information under 10-3-1117, C.R.S., aligning with the repeal of Regulation 5-2-03, effective November 10, 2025
Repealed-Bulletin 1.34Withdraws guidance for insurers on handling and responding to requests for automobile liability policy information, effective November 10, 2025

Each amended regulation or repeal serves to either streamline compliance, clarify processes for insurers and consumers, or sunset outmoded regulatory language to reflect legislative updates and current industry best practices.

  • Bulletin
  • Colorado
  • Department of Insurance

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