Connecticut Insurance Exchange Launches Enrollment Period For Low-Income Families

Residents whose household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level qualify for low- or no-cost health plans on the exchange, known as Access Health CT in Connecticut. That’s a household income of $26,130 for a family of two, $39,750 for a family of four or $46,560 for a household of five (Access Health is using last year’s FPL calculations for the enrollment period).

The low- and no-cost plans are made possible by subsidies from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“This new Special Enrollment Period is all about creating access for Connecticut residents with lower income to get the health insurance coverage they need at an affordable price,” James Michel, CEO of Access Health, said in a statement. “And it is another way we are working to accomplish our mission of increasing the number of insured residents and reducing health disparities.”

If the enhanced federal subsidies are extended beyond 2022, the enrollment period could be extended as well, he said.

Coverage for those who sign up would begin on the first of the month following enrollment. So if a person signs up for a health plan in April, coverage would begin May 1.

This is the second special enrollment period currently underway at Access Health. The exchange is also running open enrollment through June 30 for those who qualify for the Covered Connecticut program, an initiative under which the state pays a residents’ portion of the health coverage premiums.

The program is open to parents or caregivers and their dependents. To qualify, a household’s income must be greater than 160% of the federal poverty level but not greater than 175%, and parents or caregivers must have at least one child who is younger than 19 and a full-time student.

During Access Health’s last regular enrollment period, which ended in January, 112,634 people signed up for health plans on the exchange, a record number.

Currently, 846 residents are enrolled in the Covered Connecticut program, which launched last year.

During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers were aiming to improve health care access by expanding the state’s Medicaid program, known as HUSKY, by adjusting the qualifying threshold so more people could enroll in coverage.

Governor Ned Lamont’s administration floated an alternative: Use state funds to boost subsidies on the exchange that could make health plans free for people who meet certain guidelines. Lamont’s plan was ultimately successful, and the state expects a 50% federal reimbursement in the second year.

Here are some key things to know about the Covered Connecticut program:

Who qualifies?

During the first year of the program, households earning more than 160% of the federal poverty level, but not greater than 175%, qualify for free coverage. A family of one at 160% of the FPL earns $20,426 annually, while a family of four earns $41,920. At 175% of the FPL, a family of one earns $22,310, while a family of four earns $45,850.

The household must also have at least one dependent child under age 19 to qualify. A child who is age 18 must be a full-time student.

As many as 8,000 people will be eligible for the free health plans in the first year, state officials said.

During the program’s second year, the coverage will be expanded to households earning over 138% of the federal poverty level, but not greater than 175%. Up to 32,000 more people are expected to qualify in the second year.

What type of coverage will I get?

Eligible households will be enrolled in a silver plan on the exchange. Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits Inc offer individual plans through Access Health CT. The policies give consumers access to preventative care, coverage for prescription drugs, pregnancy care, and coverage for behavioral and mental health care, among other benefits.

Will I have to pay anything?

No. The Covered Connecticut program funds the cost of all premiums, deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and out-of-pocket costs for qualifying residents, making the coverage free.

To sign up or inquire about eligibility for the most recent enrollment period, residents should call 855-805-4325. To sign up for the Covered Connecticut program, consumers should call 860-241-8478.