With the Open Enrollment Period for Access Health CT beginning this Saturday, Nov. 1, (and ending on Jan. 15), Connecticut residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance plans or renew their coverage.
— an announcement from Access Health CT
AHCT remains the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost insurance for eligible residents.
What’s New For This Year’s Open Enrollment
“Federal changes are reducing the amount of financial help, and customers can expect to pay more for their coverage this year,” said James Michel, chief executive officer of Access Health CT. “While some of the financial help is expiring, not all financial help is going away. It’s important to know that financial assistance is still available.”
It’s possible that the federal government will extend the enhanced subsidies, but the enhanced premium tax credits first made available by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act are set to expire Dec. 31.
“We encourage you to shop around for a plan this year,” Michel said. “If you need help choosing a health plan that works best for you and your family, we can help you find a broker. They are free to work with and are trained to help you find a plan. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click ‘Get Help’ to search our database of certified brokers that are ready and available to assist you.”
Image from the AccessHealthCT website
The homepage of the AccessHealthCT website
There are 22 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) available for customers to choose from this year. Plans are available from three insurance carriers, including Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. and ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc.
Connecticut residents, including those who are eligible for Medicare, can also enroll in a stand-alone dental insurance plan through AHCT whether they have health coverage or not.
When customers enroll determines when coverage starts. If customers enroll on or before Dec. 15, coverage will start Jan. 1. If they enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15, coverage will begin Feb. 1.
Help to Sign up Online, in Person or 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 attending an enrollment fair.
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 to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
In Person
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.
Over the Phone
To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.
The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Dec. 15, and Jan. 15. It will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (Nov. 27, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1).
The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 (the day after Thanksgiving), 8 a.m. to 12 noon Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 31, (New Year’s Eve).
Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.