During Open Enrollment, you can sign up for health and dental insurance plans or make changes to your current plan(s). For coverage starting January 1, 2027, you must enroll by December 15, 2026. If you enroll between December 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027, your coverage will not begin until February 1, 2027.
Before you start shopping:
Most plans have deductibles. This is the amount you need to pay for covered healthcare services before your insurance will start to pay. The good news is that there are a number of covered services, such as an annual checkup, where your deductible “does not apply.” This means you only need to pay a copay or coinsurance amount, if applicable, without having to meet the deductible first. TIP: When selecting a plan, be aware of the covered services you can use without having to pay your deductible!
When you see a doctor or dentist, you may have to pay an amount for that visit or covered service. Health and dental plans may either have copays, coinsurance or a mix of both. A copay is a fixed or set amount you pay for a covered service, while coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost you pay for a covered service. For example, if a covered service is offered with 40% coinsurance, that means you’ll pay 40% of the total cost of the service and your insurance company will pay the other 60%.
What’s Included in Your Health Plan?
Each plan includes coverage for preventive care, like check-ups and screenings, emergency room care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity and newborn care, mental health services and more.
Most plans cover dental for children under age 26, and some have dental and vision benefits for adults. Be sure to look at the benefits closely so you know what is or is not included.
TIP: If a health plan name has the word “dental” or “vision” in it, then it includes some adult dental and vision coverage.
Types of Health Plans
This year there are 22 health plans available from insurance carriers you know and trust. The standard plans are categorized by metal level: Bronze (12 plans), Silver (2 plans), and Gold (7 plans). There is also 1 Catastrophic plan available this year.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of plans you can choose from:
Bronze plans have low monthly premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
Silver plans have moderate monthly premiums and moderate out-of-pockets costs when you receive care. They also offer the most financial help for those who qualify.
Gold plans have the highest monthly premiums, but the lowest out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
Catastrophic plans have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses when you receive care. Catastrophic plans are only available to people younger than 30 years old or to those who have been granted a hardship exemption or affordability exemption from AHCT. Financial help is not available for Catastrophic plans.
Stand-Alone Dental Plans
This year there are 8 dental plans available. You do not need to enroll in a health plan through AHCT to buy a Stand-Alone Dental Plan. Connecticut residents who are enrolled in Medicare are also eligible to buy dental plans through AHCT.
Remember, Open Enrollment is your chance to get the coverage that works best for your household. Make sure to shop, compare and enroll in a health or dental plan that meets your needs.
Still have questions?
Whether you have questions about health or dental coverage or something else, the Access Health CT team is ready and available to help. Remember, all help is free.
- Online: AccessHealthCT.com/get-help.
- Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com; click “Live Chat” icon.
- Phone: 1-855-805-4325; customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator (we speak over 100 languages).
- Find a Certified Broker near you who can recommend coverage that is right for your needs and budget.
- Schedule a free one-on-one appointment with an Enrollment Specialist.