Press Release – November 5, 2026

Financial Assistance Available To Help Eligible Residents With 2027 Health Coverage Costs

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Joshua Hershman are encouraging Connecticut residents to review their health insurance coverage options and explore any financial assistance that may be available to help offset the costs as open enrollment for health insurance plans with Access Health CT , the state's official health insurance marketplace, is now underway.

Open enrollment began on October 23, 2026, and continues through January 15, 2027. During this period, Connecticut residents can enroll in coverage for the first time, renew their current plans, or compare options and make changes for the coming year.

"Health care affordability is a top priority, and we're backing that up with action to protect families from the loss of federal subsidies, create tax incentives for small businesses to offer coverage through our new CHOICE/ICHRA program, and provide direct financial assistance to early childhood educators," Governor Lamont said. "These are practical solutions that help Connecticut residents and employers manage rising health care costs."

Access Health CT is the only place residents can qualify for financial assistance through the marketplace to lower the cost of health coverage. Approximately 80% of Access Health CT customers receive some form of financial assistance.

Available financial assistance includes federal Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), which lower monthly premiums, and Connecticut's Temporary Premium Assistance program, which helps eligible residents offset the loss of enhanced federal premium tax credits. The state is continuing this assistance for eligible residents in 2027.

Connecticut is also supporting small businesses through its CHOICE/ICHRA program, which provides tax incentives to employers offering health coverage through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). These arrangements allow employers to reimburse employees for qualifying individual health insurance coverage.

Additionally, the state is providing targeted assistance to help early childhood educators afford health coverage. Beginning in 2027, eligible early childhood educators and employees at licensed child care programs may receive an annual subsidy of $1,000 to $1,200 through the Early Childhood Educators Health Insurance Subsidy. The subsidy is available in addition to other financial assistance for which they qualify and can be used with individual or small group coverage, including coverage obtained through an ICHRA.

Free enrollment help is available through certified brokers, enrollment specialists, navigators, and community partners across the state.

"Open Enrollment is a good time to make sure your health insurance still meets your needs and budget," Commissioner Hershman said. "You may qualify for financial assistance or find a plan that works better for you. Don't compare plans based on the monthly premium alone. Check whether your doctors are in-network, your prescriptions are covered, and what you'll pay in deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. Use this time to review your options and make sure you have the coverage and protections that are right for you."

Residents who are considering coverage outside Access Health CT should carefully review the type of policy being offered and the protections it provides. Plans purchased outside the marketplace do not qualify for financial assistance through Access Health CT.

Key open enrollment dates

• Open enrollment : October 23, 2026, to January 15, 2027
• Enroll by December 15, 2026 : Coverage begins January 1, 2027
• Enroll between December 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027 : Coverage begins February 1, 2027

How to enroll through Access Health CT

1. Online : Visit AccessHealthCT.com
2. By Phone : Call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
3. In Person : Visit an Access Health CT enrollment location or navigator partner site or attend an enrollment event or fair. Find locations and upcoming events at Access Health CT Enrollment Events.

Additional Consumer Resources

The Connecticut Insurance Department offers resources to help residents understand their health insurance options, compare coverage, and find answers to insurance-related questions.

Additionally, Access Health CT provides several resources to guide residents on these issues.