Access Health CT Enrolls Record Number of Connecticut Residents in Health Insurance for 2025

But the cost of health insurance in Connecticut could skyrocket if Congress does not act this year

HARTFORD, Conn. (Feb. 25, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) reported a record number of Connecticut residents enrolled in health and dental insurance for 2025 during the Open Enrollment Period, which ran from Nov. 1, 2024 to Jan. 15, 2025.

However, tens of thousands of Connecticut residents could see their health coverage costs increase dramatically next year if Congress does not act to extend the enhanced subsidies that are a critical part of making coverage affordable through federal and state-based marketplaces like AHCT.

A total of 151,151 Connecticut residents enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) for 2025, compared to 129,000 at the end of the Open Enrollment Period in 2024. That includes 41,165 residents enrolled in the no-cost Covered CT Program, compared to 27,393 last year. In addition, AHCT enrolled more residents in dental coverage, for a total of 17,756.

“We are proud of another record-breaking enrollment year for Access Health CT because it means more Connecticut residents than ever are getting the coverage they need to live healthy lives,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “Access Health CT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. And one of the great benefits of this coverage is potentially life-saving preventive screenings that customers can get at no cost.”

This financial help is at risk. The enhanced subsidies created as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and extended by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have significantly expanded health insurance coverage access and affordability for millions of Americans. But they are set to expire at the end of this year.

If the subsidies do expire, the Congressional Budget Office expects nearly four million Americans will lose their insurance by 2034, leading to a sicker country overall. Without the enhanced subsidies available, healthier-than-average people could likely exit the marketplaces, causing insurers to raise premiums for the remaining enrollees.

Since the enhanced subsidies were introduced, the number of individuals receiving financial assistance in Connecticut has increased by nearly 30%. Approximately 90% of AHCT customers now receive financial help.

Without these subsidies, Connecticut residents could expect to pay $1,700 more on average per year for their health insurance. Some residents will see a nearly $3,000 increase per year.

“We are fortunate to have strong local advocates at the legislative level who have championed increased access to health coverage and making it more affordable. Connecticut senators and congresspeople have also supported the enhanced subsidies that have helped so many of our residents,” said Michel. “We hope the Connecticut delegation will continue to advocate for the extension of these subsidies and encourage their colleagues from across the country to join them in support of all Americans.”