Open enrollment for Access Health CT has begun

With holiday sales and gift-buying at the top of many's minds, thousands of Connecticut residents will shop for something special this holiday season -- health insurance.

Connecticut residents can enroll in health or dental insurance through the state's Affordable Care Act insurance exchange marketplace, Access Health CT, with assistance at no cost during the annual open enrollment season from now until Jan. 15

"Connecticut has a nation-leading health insurance marketplace that is delivering significant results in helping to reduce the uninsured rate and getting coverage to those who need it," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a press release announcing open enrollment. "Access Health CT has the support services available to help anyone fully understand their options and get them enrolled."

What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is an annual two-and-a-half-month period where residents across the state can review, compare and select or re-enroll in health and dental insurance for the upcoming year. The season lasts from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, with insurance coverage starting on Feb. 1. If residents enroll by Dec. 15, they will have coverage as soon as Jan. 1.

What is available?

Through Access Health, 22 qualified health plans are available with three insurance carriers -- Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., and ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc. There are also standalone dental insurance plans.

Access Health staff can also help enroll residents in HUSKY Health, the state's medicaid program, or Children's Health Insurance Program.

Residents must provide their date of birth, Social Security number, most recent W2 or form 1040 or 1099, current insurance coverage, pay stubs or projected income and immigration documents (if applicable) to enroll in insurance and apply for financial assistance, according to its website.

Caroline Ruwet, director of marketing at Access Health CT, said individuals who are eligible for free Medicare Part A coverage or enrolled in Medicare cannot get a health plan through Access Health CT. She said they could enroll in a standalone dental plan.

Children 15 or younger and pregnant people who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients may be eligible for HUSKY Health programs. In addition, all DACA recipients can enroll in qualified health plans through Access Health CT due to a federal final rule announced in May, Ruwet said. However, she said they aren't sure how the new policy may change under the newly elected Trump administration.

What financial aid is available?

According to Access Health's website, some residents will be eligible for financial help to pay for their health insurance through advanced premium tax credits, which reduce a person's monthly payment through a subsidy paid directly to insurance. Others may be eligible for cost-sharing reductions that lower out-of-pocket deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance.

Financial aid is given out based on household size, home address, and tax information, such as annual and projected income. The majority of consumers qualify. According to a press release, nearly 90 percent of Access Health customers enrolled in a qualified health plan received assistance.

However, Ruwet said the enhanced subsidies from the American Rescue Plan Act and then extended through the Inflation Reduction Act that have made health insurance financial aid possible are set to expire after the year 2025.

"If those subsidies are not continued after the year 2025, we have concern about the impact it may have on providing access to quality, affordable health insurance here in Connecticut and across the country," she said.

Some enrollees who don't meet the income qualifications for HUSKY may be eligible for Covered CT. Ruwet said the state of Connecticut pays the consumer portion of premiums and cost-sharing after federal subsidies.

How many people enrolled last year?

Last year, 137,000 people enrolled in a qualified health plan with Access Health during the annual open enrollment and special enrollment periods, Ruwet said. She said it was the highest enrollment since the state-based marketplace opened in 2013.

Of those enrolled, more than 38,000 residents enrolled in Covered CT, Ruwet said. She added that 14,000 people signed up for a dental plan, the highest it had ever been.

Where can you sign up?

Enrolling in health insurance can happen in a few ways, like over the phone, in-person appointments or online. According to its website, the call center is available in over 100 languages. Residents can also schedule appointments with local certified brokers, certified application counselors, enrollment specialists or community navigators online. Residents who are deaf or hearing impaired may use teletypewriter or call a relay operator.

Throughout the open enrollment season, free enrollment fairs across the state offer free in-person help. Pre-registration is available online for fairs, but walk-ins are welcomed, Ruwet said. Upcoming open enrollment fairs in November, include:

Tuesday at the Community Health Center of Middletown, located at 675 Main St., from 5 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday at Bristol Public Library, located at 5 High St., from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, located at 100 Mona Terrace in Fairfield, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday at Generations Family Health Center, located at 40 Mansfield Ave. in Willimantic, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nov. 21 at Norwalk City Hall, located at 125 East Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m.