Access Health CT Named 2026 Modern Healthcare Innovators Awards Honoree

The award recognizes the Broker Academy Program, which is helping transform how Access Health CT connects with communities experiencing health equity gaps

HARTFORD, Conn. (April 13, 2026) — Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, today announced it has been named a 2026 Modern Healthcare Innovators Awards honoree for its Broker Academy Program, which expands access to licensed health insurance brokers in historically marginalized communities across the state. 

The national awards program recognizes leaders and organizations driving innovation that improves care and achieves measurable results. AHCT was recognized for developing a community-based workforce model that addresses a pressing health concern—health disparities.

The Broker Academy Program recruits and trains individuals from areas with lower insured rates to help them become licensed health insurance brokers. Once they graduate and become licensed, the brokers can return to their communities and serve as trusted resources people turn to for help enrolling in health and dental insurance. 

“These brokers play a critical role in helping Access Health CT reduce the uninsured rate and eliminate health disparities,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “They work directly with communities to help close longstanding gaps in access and trust.”

Now in its fifth year, the Program has provided free training to nearly 300 individuals. The growing broker network has played a crucial role in AHCT’s record-breaking enrollment for two consecutive years. During the most recent Open Enrollment Period, nearly half of all AHCT customers worked with a broker.

The Program was developed in response to the gaps identified in AHCT’s Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health in Connecticut study, which was published in 2021. 

“We’re grateful to all the brokers who are helping Connecticut residents understand their insurance options and guiding them through all the recent policy changes,” Michel added. “This Program continues to make a positive impact on our state. We thank Modern Healthcare for recognizing the hard work our team put into creating and developing this Program.”

A full list of honorees can be seen here.