Helping Families Stay Covered – A New Grant Supports Health Insurance Enrollment through MIRA

As health care costs continue to rise and millions of Americans face uncertainty about their insurance coverage, Eagle County families are feeling the pressure. That’s why Eagle Valley Community Foundation is proud to announce a new grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to expand MIRA’s health insurance enrollment services across the county.

Thanks to this funding, MIRA will provide free, bilingual health insurance enrollment support—helping families understand their options through Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and OmniSalud, a critical option for undocumented Coloradans.

Why This Matters Now

The stakes have never been higher. Although insurance enrollment in Colorado hit record highs in 2024, federal subsidies that made premiums more affordable are set to expire in 2025. Without them, monthly premiums could jump by hundreds of dollars for many working families. Combined with high housing and food costs in our rural mountain community, the threat of losing health coverage could have serious consequences for community well-being.

Meanwhile, rural Coloradans like those in Eagle County face some of the highest premiums in the state—even with tax credits. That’s why local, accessible enrollment help is so essential.

How MIRA Helps

Through this new grant, MIRA will:

• Host pop-up enrollment events across neighborhoods in Eagle County.
• Offer personalized, bilingual support from trained navigators.
• Provide education on special enrollment periods, eligibility, and safety-net programs.
• Connect individuals to other MIRA services including preventive care, screenings, and chronic disease support.

We know that access to health insurance is a key social determinant of health—affecting everything from mental wellness to long-term disease management. By helping families enroll in the right plans and avoid gaps in coverage, we’re supporting better health outcomes, financial stability, and peace of mind.

What You Can Do

• Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and co-workers who may need help enrolling.
• Invite MIRA to your community event, school, or workplace.
• Support this work through donations or by volunteering to help with outreach.

Together, we can ensure everyone in Eagle County has the tools and support they need to stay healthy—and stay covered.