"I still need a citation supporting the notion that Colorado health insurers sought rate hikes that were granted in the time of ACA."--That's easy enough:

http://www.denverpost.com/2015/06/15/colorado-health-plan-choices-premiums-rise-for-2016/
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/09/20/colorado-health-insurance-rates-2017-individual-buyers/