Officials Report Record Enrollment In CT's Health Insurance Marketplace

HARTFORD, CT — A record number of state residents are enrolled in health and dental insurance plans through Access Health CT, the state's official health insurance marketplace, according to the group. 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 during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, which opened Nov. 1, 2025 and ended Jan. 31, 2026. That is about 4% more than the 151,151 that enrolled in the 2025 enrollment period.

Included in that number are 51,629 residents enrolled in the Covered CT Program, compared to 41,165 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, officials said.

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, which also executed dozens of enrollment events throughout the state.

Access Health CT 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."