It's not just Colorado. Health insurance plans are pulling out of individual markets across the country, leaving thousands scrambling for coverage. In Colorado, Rocky Mountain HMO and Anthem are discontinuing plans, affecting 96,000 residents. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Aetna is exiting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, impacting thousands more. What's going on? Let's break it down.

Tens of thousands of Coloradans are now in a tough spot. Rocky Mountain HMO and Anthem announced they're pulling plans from the individual market. The numbers? Rocky Mountain HMO is discontinuing 20 plans in seven counties, affecting 26,000 people. Anthem's changes are even bigger -- removing 21 plans in 11 counties and discontinuing 41 others, leaving nearly 70,000 members without coverage.

Why? Congress hasn't renewed tax credits that help people afford insurance. Without these credits, rates are expected to skyrocket. Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway didn't mince words: "I don't know how we can ring alarm bells any louder. Coloradans need support." He's urging Congress to act, but also calling on state legislators to step in during a special session.

Colorado isn't alone. Aetna, under the CVS umbrella, is pulling out of the ACA marketplace in Virginia and other states. This move will leave thousands of Virginians without individual or family health plans. Aetna's reasoning? They claim they can't provide the same value as before. But the backdrop is familiar -- Congress's failure to renew ACA tax credits.

Virginia's situation mirrors Colorado's. Without these credits, premiums are expected to rise, and coverage options shrink. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan summed it up: "As uninsured rates climb, so too will health care costs for everyone."

This isn't just a state issue. It's a national trend. Health insurers are pulling back, citing financial pressures and uncertainty around federal policies. The ACA tax credits, which have been a lifeline for many, are at the center of the storm. Without them, insurers say they can't sustain affordable plans.

The result? Higher premiums. Fewer options. And a lot of uncertainty for families who rely on these plans.

Open enrollment for new plans begins November 1 in Colorado. But for many, the choices will be limited. The same goes for Virginia and other states facing similar issues. The question remains: Will Congress act in time to stabilize the market? Or will more states see insurers pull out?

For families, this isn't just about numbers. It's about real lives. Imagine losing your health coverage and facing premiums that double -- or even triple. That's the reality for many Coloradans and Virginians right now.

And it's not just them. This could happen anywhere. The ACA marketplace was designed to provide affordable options for those without employer-provided insurance. But without federal support, its future looks shaky.

So, what can you do? Stay informed. If you're in Colorado or Virginia, start exploring your options now. Open enrollment is just around the corner. And if you're in another state, keep an eye on your local market. This trend could spread.

Health care is complicated. But one thing's clear: Without action, more people will lose coverage. And that's a problem we can't afford to ignore.