Access Health CT (AHCT) is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, where you can shop, compare and enroll in quality health and dental plans. It is also the only place where you can qualify for financial help to lower your costs, and if eligible, enroll in no- or low-cost coverage through HUSKY Health Programs (Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)) or the Covered CT Program. At AHCT, our mission is to decrease the number of uninsured residents, improve the quality of healthcare, and reduce health disparities through an innovative, competitive marketplace that empowers consumers to choose the health coverage that gives them the best value.

The Open Enrollment Period is the time when Connecticut residents can enroll in or renew Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and dental plans through Access Health CT.  Residents can enroll any time of year if they qualify for HUSKY Health Programs (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)) or the Covered CT Program, or are an American Indian or Alaska Native. Special Enrollment Periods are also available during the year for those experiencing a Qualifying Life Event or who become eligible for the Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income.

For General Questions & Application Help:

You can shop, compare and enroll in quality health and/or dental coverage online at AccessHealthCT.com, in-person at a Navigator Location, or by phone at 1-855-805-4325. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.

All help is free, and there are Certified Brokers available who can recommend the right health and/or dental plan for you.

 

Talking Points:

• Access Health CT is the state’s official health insurance marketplace where residents can shop, compare and enroll in quality health and dental insurance plans from insurance companies you know.
• Access Health CT is the only place where you can qualify for financial help to lower your costs or be eligible for no- or low-cost coverage through HUSKY Health (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)) or the Covered CT Program.
• Part of our mission is to increase the number of insured residents in Connecticut — and most people qualify for financial help or are eligible for no- or low-cost coverage.
• Make sure to check with Access Health CT before choosing COBRA coverage. You may find a better, less expensive option.
• To search for a Certified Broker near you who can recommend a plan that is right for your needs and budget, visit AccessHealthCT.com/Get-Help (or call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325).
• Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click Compare Plans to filter plan options by in-network doctors, prescriptions and types of medical services you may use to help you choose the right plan.
• There are many options to get the answers you need to enroll in health and/or dental coverage. Online, in person, or over the phone. Through our call center, a Navigator, Certified Application Counselor or Certified Broker. Via live chat or email. Get free enrollment help at AccessHealthCT.com/Get-Help.
• Access Health CT can help you shop, compare and enroll, qualify for financial help, and enroll in no- or low-cost coverage. The insurance company handles billing, copies of ID cards and detailed information on benefits/plans. Visit AccessHealthCT.com/Use-Your-Plan to learn more.
• Find an Enrollment Specialist, Certified Broker, or a Navigator. Call or email us — you can even Live Chat with us!
• Get the answers you need at AccessHealthCT.com/Get-Help. Online, over the phone or in person — we are here to help and all help is FREE! Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click Compare Plans to filter plan options by in-network doctors, prescriptions and types of medical services you may use to help you choose the right plan.

Printables Available for Download:

• Enrollment Checklist (English)
•  Enrollment Checklist (Spanish)
• Enrollment Checklist (Haitian Creole)
• Enrollment Checklist (Polish)
• Feel Good Facts (English)
• Feel Good Facts (English, African-American)
• Feel Good Facts (Spanish)
• Feel Good Facts (Polish)
• Open Enrollment Checklist (Haitian Creole)
• Language Help (Multilingual)
• Recently Lost Your Health Insurance? (English)
• Recently Lost Your Health Insurance? (Spanish)
• HUSKY Contact Info Flyer (English)
• HUSKY Contact Info Flyer (Spanish)
• COBRA Flyer
  
• COBRA Flyer

Already a customer? Customers will receive notices from Access Health and your insurance company about renewing their coverage. It is important to read them and understand the next steps. In late October, Access Health CT sends a “renewal projection” notice that tells customers if they can renew automatically or if they must come and select a new health and/or dental plan for 2025. Customers must act by January 15, 2025 to renew their health and/or dental coverage for 2025. Learn more about next steps for renewing customers and how to manage your account.

Customers should check their renewal notices from Access Health CT for more information or contact us for help with renewal.

Call Center

For general questions, or help with your application or account, please contact our call center. Speak with an Enrollment Specialist who can answer your questions and guide you through the enrollment process in many different languages.

Call us at 1-855-805-4325, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. –  6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. –  1 p.m. (Holiday hours may vary, click here for details).

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.

Live Chat

For free online help, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Click the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a Customer Service Representative in real time.

Live Chat available Monday –  Friday from 8 a.m. –  5:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (Holiday hours may vary, click here for details).

Events

Access Health CT team members host and attend a variety of events throughout the year. Join us to learn more about Access Health CT or get answers to your questions. Some events may require registration, so please read the full event details. View all events »

In-Person Help (Navigators)

Get one-on-one help with your questions or enrollment application from one of our Enrollment Specialists or Certified Brokers. You can visit a Navigator or make an appointment with a Certified Broker. All help is free.

Enrollment Fairs

Access Health CT staff will answer your questions and help you enroll in quality health and/or dental coverage. Certified Brokers will be on-hand if you need a plan recommendation. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Be Prepared. Have the following information for yourself and anyone in your household applying for coverage:

• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Visa, Green Card or immigration documents
• Most recent Form W-2 and/or Form 1040, Form 1099
• Current insurance coverage
• Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household

Navigators

Navigator partner locations are open year-round. Office hours vary by location. Appointments are encouraged; please call the location before you visit.

• Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, Navigator
• Community Renewal Team (CRT), Navigator
• Community Health Center Association of CT (CHCACT), Navigator
• Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP), Navigator
• New Opportunities, Inc., Navigator

Certified Independent Broker

Certified Brokers are trained and certified to assist with your application for health and/or dental coverage. They are the only ones who can recommend a specific plan for you, and you can get their advice for free. To find a Certified Broker, visit the Assistance Search.

Certified Application Counselor

Also called a “CAC” or Enrollment Specialist, they can answer your questions or help with your application. These trained professionals are located at places like Community Health Centers, hospitals, etc. To find a CAC near you, visit the Assistance Search.

Some Connecticut residents who meet certain eligibility requirements are paying $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT, thanks to the Covered CT Program created by the State of Connecticut and administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can enroll at any time you become eligible, and your coverage starts the first of the month following your enrollment.

If you qualify, the State of Connecticut will pay your portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to your insurance company and will also pay for the cost-sharing amounts that you would normally have to pay with a health insurance plan (such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs).

The Covered CT Program now provides no-cost health insurance coverage, dental coverage and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits.

Residents must meet the following requirements to participate in the Covered CT Program:

• Have a household income up to and including 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and don’t qualify for Medicaid because of household income.*
• Be eligible for financial help, including Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), and use 100% of the financial help available to you; and
• Be enrolled in a Silver-Level Plan.

*If your household income qualifies you for HUSKY Health (Medicaid), you will not be able to enroll in the Covered CT Program. Medicaid provides comprehensive benefits; please contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) for more information.

Income Guidelines for 2025 Coverage

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Ineligible for HUSKY/Medicaid and have household income up to and including 175% FPL	$25,515.00	$34,510.00	$43,505.00	52,500.00	$61,495.00	$70,490.00	$79,485.00	$88,480.00

You can enroll in the Covered Connecticut Program at any time you become eligible. Complete an application at AccessHealthCT.com and we will let you know if you qualify for the Covered CT Program. You can also call us at 1-855-805-4325 for free enrollment and eligibility help. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.

Talking Points:

• The Covered CT Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits at no cost to residents who meet eligibility requirements. This Program is for residents between the ages of 19-64.
• There is no end date to this opportunity; you can enroll in the Covered CT Program at any time you become eligible.
• Your coverage will start on the first of the month after you complete your application and enrollment. (For example, if a person enrolls on February 5, their coverage begins March 1.)
• The State of Connecticut will pay your portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to your insurance company and will also pay for the cost-sharing amounts you would typically have to pay with a health insurance plan (such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance, and maximum out-of-pocket costs).
• Submit an application at AccessHealthCT.com and we will let you know if you qualify for the Covered CT Program. You can also call Access Health CT for free enrollment and eligibility help at 1-855-805-4325. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.

Printables Available for Download:

• Covered Connecticut Flyer (English)
• Covered Connecticut Flyer (Spanish)

Starting November 1, 2024, DACA recipients will be able to get health insurance coverage through state-based marketplaces. This change in the law means DACA recipients living in Connecticut can apply for health and/or dental insurance plans offered through Access Health CT. DACA recipients are not eligible to enroll in regular HUSKY Health programs, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).*

Here is what you need to know:

DACA recipients may be eligible for financial help to pay for the cost of their health insurance.

• Eligibility for financial help is based on where you live, your household income and how many people are in your household.
• All members of your tax household should be included in your enrollment application.
• Only those with a legal immigration status are eligible to receive health or dental coverage through Access Health CT. Starting November 1, that includes DACA recipients.
• Financial help is not available toward the cost of dental plans.
  Enrollment for DACA recipients living in Connecticut begins November 1, 2024.
• Anyone who becomes a DACA recipient will qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP starts on the day you are granted deferred action.

DACA recipients can enroll online, over the phone or in person.

• Enroll online at AccessHealthCT.com or by phone at 1-855-805-4325.
• Enrollment help is available over the phone in more than 100 languages.
• If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.
• Find in-person enrollment events at AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help.”

*For more information about DACA visit https://www.uscis.gov/DACA
Other state programs are available for children aged 1-15 and pregnant individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP because of immigration status. For more information about these programs, visit Help.AccessHealthCT.com/daca.

 

Talking Points:

• Starting November 1, 2024, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients will be considered lawfully present for purposes of applying for Marketplace coverage.
• DACA is a policy that defers removal action for eligible individuals who do not have a lawful U.S. immigration status. DACA recipients are also eligible to request work authorization.
• Eligible DACA recipients will be able to enroll in Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) through Access Health CT.
• Depending on their household size and income, DACA recipients may qualify for financial help, such as Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), to lower the costs of their health coverage,
• DACA recipients are not eligible to enroll in regular HUSKY Health programs, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, there are State programs available for children and pregnant individuals who do not qualify for regular Medicaid because of their immigration status. Eligibility for these programs depends on your age and/or household income. Learn More.
• There will be a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) starting November 1, 2024, to allow DACA recipients to enroll in coverage that starts as soon as December 1, 2024. This Special Enrollment Period will last 60 days. Moving forward, anyone who becomes a DACA recipient will qualify for a 60-day SEP that starts on the day they are granted deferred action.
• Enrollment will be effective the first of the month following your application. (ex: Enroll any day in November 2024, and your plan starts December 1, 2024.)
• If you enroll for coverage starting December 1, 2024, and want coverage to continue in 2025, you will need to submit an additional application for 2025 coverage during the Open Enrollment Period. The Open Enrollment Period begins November 1, 2024.
• All members of your tax household (with legal immigration status or not) should be included in your enrollment application. However, only those with a legal immigration status are eligible to receive health and/or dental coverage through Access Health CT.
• After you submit your application, Access Health CT may send you a letter asking you to provide proof that your information is correct, including your household income, home address, or proof of your DACA status.
• Access Health CT cannot answer questions about DACA eligibility. For more information on DACA, visit https://www.uscis.gov/DACA.
• Residents can enroll by phone: Call 1-855-805-4325 for help. Help is available in over 100 languages. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.

Printables Available for Dowload:

• DACA Flyer (English)
• DACA Flyer (Spanish)

A Special Enrollment Period is a special window of time outside of the Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health and/or dental insurance coverage through Access Health CT. To qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you must prove that you have a Qualifying Life Event. If you have a Qualifying Life Event, your Special Enrollment Period will generally last 60 days from the date of the Event.  If you qualify for HUSKY Health (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)), the Covered CT Program, or if you are an American Indian or Alaska Native, you can enroll in coverage any time of the year. Learn more about Special Enrollment Periods.

Common Qualifying Life Events

Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) open a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in health and/or dental insurance. Typically, you have 60 days from the date of your QLE to enroll. You will also be required to verify your QLE in order for your coverage to begin. Common QLEs include:

• Losing coverage through your employer or certain changes to employer contributions to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSERA), including a gain of either one.
• Losing your coverage due to job change. Voluntary cancellation of coverage or termination by the insurer due to non-payment of monthly payments (premiums) is not a valid QLE.
• Losing coverage through your spouse or parent. Be sure to know when the policy will end in order to understand the best time to enroll.
• Exhaustion of COBRA coverage. Voluntary early termination of COBRA coverage is not a valid QLE.

Click here to see a full list of Qualifying Life Events.

Access Health CT is committed to increasing access to affordable health insurance coverage. A new Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income will provide access to no-cost or very low-cost health insurance, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Connecticut residents can find out if they are eligible and enroll by calling Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325, Monday–Friday and select Saturdays (more information). Those who are deaf or hearing impaired may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.

Who is eligible for the New Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income?

• New or returning customers who are not currently enrolled in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT.
• Connecticut residents who are eligible for Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Income Guidelines for 2025 Coverage

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
150% FPL	$21,870	$29,580	$37,290	$45,000	$52,710	$60,420	$68,130	$75,840

Talking Points:

• This Special Enrollment Period is only offered through Access Health CT.
• The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible for many Connecticut residents by increasing the amount of financial help available for many people who enroll through Access Health CT.
• This Special Enrollment Period gives residents with lower incomes another chance to access these additional savings on monthly bills.
• This Special Enrollment Period is available through Plan Year 2025, unless the enhanced subsidies are extended beyond 2025 through federal legislation.
• Coverage will start on the first of the month following enrollment.

Printables Available for Download:

• Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income Flyer (English)
• Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income Flyer (Spanish)

Health disparities are health differences that are closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. They adversely affect people based on a variety of factors including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and geographic location, among many others.

Our mission is to decrease the number of uninsured residents, improve the quality of healthcare, and reduce health disparities through an innovative, competitive marketplace that empowers consumers to choose the health coverage that gives them the best value. Since 2013, Access Health CT has helped more than one million individuals and small businesses get health coverage, and we’ve helped cut Connecticut’s uninsured rate in half. This is great progress, but more must be done to reduce health disparities that persist in our state.

Learn more about our Health Equity efforts

Talking Points:

• Access Health CT works with organizations that help people navigate the enrollment and renewal process, and help people better use and understand their insurance plans.
• Access Health CT works closely with community health centers and other community partners to help people understand the importance of having and using health and dental insurance.
• Access Health CT’s Certified Application Counselors help people enroll in health and dental insurance, and work with Certified Brokers in all CT communities.
• Access Health CT participates in health fairs and community engagement events in communities with high levels of health disparities.
• Access Health CT reaches people at farmers markets, food pantries, churches, CT Foodbank and Foodshare events, Hartford Public Library events, vaccine clinic sites, community resource fairs, and more.

Printables Available for Download:

• Health Disparity Case Studies Flyer (English)
• Understanding underlying drivers, barriers and needs of the uninsured in Connecticut (English)
• Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health in Connecticut (English)
• Health Disparities Report: Executive Summary (English)
• Broker Academy Flyer (English)
• Back to School Flyer (English)
• Back to School Flyer (Spanish)
• Back to School Flyer (Portuguese)