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Open Enrollment For Health Insurance Begins Saturday

DENVER (CBS4)- Open enrollment for health insurance begins on Saturday and those who do not have insurance will face stiff penalties.

There will be a lot of changes in health insurance options this year including new plans, new premiums and new penalties. Those who fail to secure insurance for 2015 will face triple the fines.

In Colorado the average price increase is about one percent.

"What we saw this year is the newest player to the market was very focused in on how to set rates and prices this year," said Marcia Benshoof with Connect for Health Colorado.

Benshoof said that caused other carriers to drop their rates as well. Despite that, most people will still pay more.

Sixty percent of those on the exchange receive subsidies and those are dropping significantly.

"We're urging people to really shop, to really look at the plans we have and what's important to them," said Benshoof.

Connect for Health Colorado has 172 plans to choose from, that's 12 more than last year. There is also a doctor look up and medication look up that are also new to the site.

"It's a great way for families or individuals to sit down and look at their medications and sort through plans that have those specific medications," said Benshoof.

Those who have questions can ask Kyla, an interactive coach, another new feature this year.

"She is meant to really guide people on our website through some critical decisions," said Benshoof.

For those who prefer a real-life person, there will be 2,000 guides and brokers at enrollment centers across the state to provide free assistance.

The deadline for insurance registration is Dec. 15.

LINK: ConnectForHealth.com

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