Connecticut: Access Health CT signs up record number for 2026 thanks to expanded outreach & new state subsidies

via Access Health CT:

Expanded outreach and new financial assistance helped keep residents covered

HARTFORD, Conn. (Feb. 19, 2026) — Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, today announced a record number of Connecticut residents enrolled in health and dental insurance during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, which began Nov. 1, 2025 and ended Jan. 31, 2026. This is the third year in a row AHCT has seen record-breaking enrollment. 

A total of 157,246 people enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, compared to 151,151 at the end of the Open Enrollment Period in 2025. This year’s enrollment broke last year’s record by 4%. 

Included in that number are 51,629 residents enrolled in the Covered CT Program, compared to 41,165 during the Open Enrollment Period last year. Covered CT provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents. The State of Connecticut pays the consumer portion of premiums and cost-sharing. 

In addition, more residents are now enrolled in dental coverage through AHCT, for a total of 19,416. This represents a 9% increase in dental enrollment over the last year.

This Open Enrollment Period was marked by changes on the state and federal levels. The enhanced premium tax credits made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act expired Dec. 31, 2025, which significantly reduced the amount of financial help available to customers. 

The expiration of the enhanced subsidies led to a decrease in Affordable Care Act Marketplace enrollment of over one million people across the country. Despite this, Connecticut saw an increase in enrollment.

This record-breaking enrollment comes as AHCT increased its outreach during the Open Enrollment Period to ensure customers had free, expert help online, in person and over the phone. It expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and added four new Mobile Enrollment Specialists to the Health Equity and Outreach team, who also executed dozens of enrollment events throughout the state. 

In summer 2025, AHCT began urging customers to work with Certified Brokers for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period. Brokers can explain the changes and are the only ones who can recommend plans for their customers. AHCT also extended its Open Enrollment deadline from Jan. 15 to Jan. 31 to allow customers more time to choose a plan.

The State of Connecticut also stepped in to help lessen the impact of the expired financial help. Governor Ned Lamont announced the 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance in December, which lowers costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through AHCT. AHCT is now providing a Special Enrollment Period for customers who qualify. The Special Enrollment Period began on Feb. 1. 

“Another record-breaking enrollment year shows that Connecticut residents are prioritizing their health and the peace of mind coverage provides,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “Having coverage means access to preventive care, prescriptions and protection from unexpected medical costs. With monthly premium costs increasing following the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, the financial help announced by Governor Lamont is helping ensure thousands of Connecticut residents can still access coverage for themselves and their families.

“I am very thankful for our staff, community partners, brokers, Certified Application Counselors, board of directors and local leaders who worked tirelessly to help residents understand their options and find coverage,” Michel added.