Financial help is still available
Recent federal changes will impact customers who enroll in health insurance through Access Health CT (AHCT). We want to help you understand how you will be impacted and what you can do to keep your coverage. The most important thing to know is that Access Health CT is here to help you, financial assistance is still available and you can get free help to keep the coverage you and your family need to stay healthy.
About the federal changes
President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law on July 4, 2025. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also issued the Final Rule on Marketplace Integrity and Affordability on June 25, 2025. And some of the additional subsidies (or tax credits) available to customers over the past several years expired on December 31, 2025.
The combination of these federal changes means it may be more challenging to enroll in coverage, verify information to keep coverage and qualify for financial help. Access Health CT estimates that the total impact of these federal changes will result in 30-35% of the currently enrolled population being uninsured by 2034.
And there are even more significant changes to Medicaid. Click here to learn more about changes to Medicaid — HUSKY Health and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
State Financial Help
In response to the expiring federal tax credits, Governor Lamont announced the State of Connecticut will provide additional financial help to replace the expired enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) for eligible Connecticut residents.
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, will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired ePTCs.
Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% of the FPL will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired enhanced Premium Tax Credits.
The state subsidies are currently in place for one year (2026). Learn more about the subsidies.
Changes Starting Plan Years 2027 and 2028
- The Open Enrollment Period will begin earlier, on October 23 and runs through January 15.
- Financial help for non-citizens will be limited starting in 2027. Eligible residents will include lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), certain Cuban and Haitian entrants as defined under section 501(e) of the Refugee 12 Education Assistance Act of 1980, and people in the U.S. under a Compact of Free Associations. All other lawfully present non-citizens would be permitted to enroll in coverage but prohibited from receiving financial assistance.
- Automatic re-enrollment will be prohibited starting in 2028. Customers who previously opted to be re-enrolled in the same, or a similar plan, will no longer be able to renew their coverage and financial help without taking action. They will need to verify information, such as their income, immigration status, address, family size or any other household information that HHS requires before enrolling in coverage with financial help.
- Financial help will not be available to purchase a health plan through AHCT for anyone who is not eligible for Medicaid because they did not meet the work requirements.
What can you do to stay covered in a plan that works best for you and your family?
Despite all the changes coming, financial help will still be available for eligible customers. We can help you find a health insurance plan that meets your needs and fits your budget, and there are experts who can recommend the right plan for you, for free.
Use a Broker — for Free
A health insurance broker is someone who helps you compare plans and choose the right health or dental plan for you. There are hundreds of independent insurance brokers across Connecticut who are trained and certified by Access Health CT. They’re ready to help you — for free — with just about anything related to getting health or dental coverage. Now is a great time to find a Certified Broker and begin building a relationship, so they can truly understand your health care needs and become a trusted resource and advocate.
Compare Plans
Access Health CT recommends actively shopping for a health plan during Open Enrollment. It’s also important to make sure your household income and information are updated on your application. This is necessary to determine if you qualify for the remaining federal financial help or for State financial help.
Find or Compare Plans starting November 1.
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