Spokesman Luke Clarke says the discussion was sparked by state lawmakers who are concerned about the exchange’s sustainability as federal grant money winds down.

The exchange, Connect for Health, made that move to help deal with a heavy volume of customers. Inclement weather leading up to the deadline played a role in the decision too.

Frustrated Roaring Fork Valley residents told state officials Thursday they have few insurance options and are dealing with soaring costs.

Tax credits to buy plans on Colorado's insurance exchange are tied to rising health insurance rates, so those tax credits for consumers also going up.