Connecticut residents can now enroll in 2027 health insurance. Here's what to know.

Connecticut residents can now compare plans and enroll in or renew health and dental insurance for 2027 through the state's Affordable Care Act marketplace, Access Health CT. Free enrollment help is available online and in person.

"Choosing health insurance can be hard, but you do not have to do it alone. We are here to help," Access Health CT CEO James Michel said in a news release. "Plus, eight out of 10 Access Health CT customers qualify for financial help to lower their costs. Our team is here to answer your questions, help you compare plans and guide you through enrollment."

Here's what to know.

When does coverage start?

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from Oct. 23 to Jan. 15, earlier than in previous years.

People who enroll by Dec. 15 will have coverage starting Jan. 1. Those who enroll from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 will have coverage starting Feb. 1.

What coverage is available?

Access Health CT offers 22 qualified health plans through Anthem and ConnectiCare Benefits Inc.

Staff can also help eligible residents enroll in HUSKY Health, the state's Medicaid program, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Some people who don't qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for Covered CT, which offers no-cost coverage.

Standalone dental plans are available even to people who don't have health insurance through Access Health CT. Medicare-eligible residents can also enroll in a dental plan.

What financial help is available?

Most people who enroll through Access Health CT qualify for some financial assistance to help pay for coverage.

That help may include premium tax credits, which reduce monthly payments, or cost-sharing reductions, which lower out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

Some residents may also qualify for the state's Temporary Premium Assistance program, which Gov. Ned Lamont introduced in 2026 and extended into 2027.

The assistance could offset some or all of the costs after enhanced federal tax credits from the COVID era expired in 2025. So far, the temporary program has saved 10,597 Connecticut residents more than $1.79 million, officials said.

Some early childhood employees may qualify for a new state subsidy this year, in addition to any other federal or state assistance for which they are eligible. A new tax credit also may help small-business owners make health coverage more affordable for their employees.

This year, some early childhood employees may qualify for a new state subsidy, along with any other federal and state assistance they qualify for. A new tax credit can also help small business owners make health coverage more affordable for their employees.

What was enrollment like last year?

Officials said the 2026 enrollment season was the third consecutive year of record enrollment.

A total of 157,246 people signed up for a qualified health plans during the 2026 open enrollment period, a 4% increase from the previous year, according to Access Health CT. That growth came as ACA marketplaces nationwide experienced a significant decline in enrollment. Dental plan enrollment also rose an estimated 9%.

At the same time, enrollment in Covered CT increased to 51,629, up from 41,165 the previous year.

Where can you sign up?

Residents can get free enrollment help through the Access Health CT website, call center and community partners. They can also connect at no cost with a certified broker, the mobile enrollment team or a community navigator.

Access Health CT is holding one-day enrollment fairs in Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Danbury, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, New London, Norwalk and Stratford throughout October and November. More events are expected in December and January.

"We hold these events so we can meet our customers where they are," Michel said in a news release. "Our team is here to answer questions, explain the choices available and help residents enroll in insurance that works for them and their families."

(C) 2026 Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.. Visit www.journalinquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.