Connecticut: Access Health CT announces Special Enrollment Period so more can take advantage of new state subsidy program

Yesterday I posted an update with details about Connecticut's new state-based subsidy program via Access Health CT, their state ACA exchange.

The bottom line is that Connecticut enrollees who earn between 100 - 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will have 100% of the lost federal tax credits backfilled, while enrollees who earn between 400 - 500% FPL will have half (50%) of their lost subsidies covered:

The state subsidies are currently in place for one year. 

Here is a chart to show the annual income by household size for eligible groups:

Today, Access Health CT announced that in addition to their official Open Enrollment Period (OEP) deadline for all CT residents being bumped out through the end of January, they're also implementing a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) immediately after January 31st specifically for residents who fall into the income brackets above (100 - 200% FPL or 400 - 500% FPL):

Access Health CT to Offer Special Enrollment Period for Eligible Customers to Enroll in Coverage with New State Subsidy

The Special Enrollment Period begins February 1

HARTFORD, Conn. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, today announced it will offer a Special Enrollment Period for eligible customers to enroll in health coverage with the new state subsidy starting Feb. 1. The end date for the Special Enrollment Period is to be determined. The Special Enrollment Period is separate from the Open Enrollment Period, which ends Jan. 31.

“When Republicans in Washington stripped away critical Affordable Care Act subsidies, millions of Americans, including thousands here in Connecticut, were left vulnerable and at risk of losing coverage. We could not stand by and watch families face skyrocketing costs,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “That’s why we acted quickly to backstop the Covered CT program to continue to provide fully subsidized coverage for working families just above Medicaid eligibility and create a new state subsidy and, with the assistance of Access Health CT, were able to launch this Special Enrollment Period. Time is of the essence. If you need coverage, now is the moment to enroll. Connecticut will not let politics in Washington jeopardize the health and financial security of our residents.”

“We are thankful Governor Lamont and our state legislature stepped in to help some of our most vulnerable populations afford health coverage,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “This Special Enrollment Period gives our customers more time to weigh their options and enroll in the coverage they need to live long, healthy lives.”

Customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:

• Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.

• Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts. 

Eligible customers who have already enrolled or plan to enroll in a health plan for 2026 will see a credit applied through their carrier bill.

It’s important to note that while customers will not see the state subsidy amount in AHCT’s online system until all updates have been made in the coming weeks, all eligible customers will soon receive a notice in the mail from AHCT with the amount of their state subsidy. Insurance companies will send consumers updated premium bills with the credit for the state subsidy amount. This manual process will begin soon in advance of the system updates to be implemented in the coming weeks.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them—including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or working with a Certified Broker in their area.

AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment, available in English and Spanish.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.

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

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.