Access Health CT Header Logo

Danbury and Hartford Community Leaders Recognized with Access Health CT’s Commitment to Community Award

HARTFORD, Conn. (Dec. 11, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced Maria Matos, of Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD), and Dr. Richard Stillson, of Hartford Psychological Services, were the recipients of its annual Commitment to Community award. AHCT is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace.

The award winners were announced during AHCT’s annual Community Conference held Oct. 8 at Saybrook Point Resort and Marina in Old Saybrook. The conference is held each year to prepare community partners, Certified Brokers, Certified Application Counselors and staff for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period. This year’s theme was “Navigating Change – Strengthening Community.”

The Open Enrollment Period began Nov. 1, 2025 and runs through Jan. 15, 2026. This is the time for Connecticut residents to shop, compare, and enroll or renew their health insurance coverage through AHCT. 

AHCT’s mission is to reduce the rate of the uninsured and eliminate health disparities. Each year, they recognize a community leader who shares similar values and works directly with customers in historically hard-to-reach communities with the Commitment to Community award. 

As LEAD Vice President and Chief Programs Officer, Matos empowers Latino and immigrant communities through education, civic engagement and financial literacy in Bridgeport, East Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Norwich and Waterbury. She lives in Danbury.

She actively advocates for charter school expansion, legislative policies benefiting Latino communities and organizes voter education events and political debates through the League of Women Voters. Through her board leadership with the Dominican American Coalition of Connecticut, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Scholarship Fund and the African Caribbean Cultural Center, she expands scholarship opportunities, fosters business development and promotes cultural diversity initiatives.

Dr. Stillson is a licensed psychologist specializing in transgender and gender variant care at Hartford Psychological Services, where he serves as a Clinical Director. With 26 years of experience working for the State of Connecticut, Dr. Stillson has provided inpatient, outpatient and residential services for individuals with mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has taught psychology courses at multiple Connecticut colleges and universities. He lives in Hartford.

“Maria and Dr. Stillson exemplify what Access Health CT is all about–creating opportunities, building trust and improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Tammy Hendricks, Access Health CT Director of Health Equity and Outreach. “Their leadership and compassion make a lasting impact and they deserve recognition for their contributions.”

Deadline Approaching: Enroll in Coverage Through Access Health CT by December 15, 2025 for Coverage Starting January 1, 2026

HARTFORD, Conn. (Dec. 8, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, today announced the deadline to enroll in health and dental coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026 is Dec. 15, 2025. Customers who enroll Dec. 16, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026 will have coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2026.

The Open Enrollment Period for Connecticut residents to shop, compare and enroll in health insurance or renew their coverage began Nov. 1, 2025 and runs through Jan. 15, 2026. Customers may enroll in health and dental coverage. 

AHCT is the onlyplace Connecticut residents can get financial assistance to pay for their health insurance. Federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible have changed, however financial help is still available. And some customers may qualify for no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

“The deadline to enroll in coverage that starts on January 1 is very soon,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “Do not delay and enroll now. If you have questions or need help enrolling, get free help at one of our enrollment fairs or with a broker.”

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair.

AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment available in English and Spanish.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, 2025 and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026. 

The call center will be closed Dec. 25, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.  

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 

Access Health CT Announces December Events Offering Connecticut Residents Enrollment Help for Health and Dental Plans

Customers who enroll on or before Dec. 15, 2025 will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2026

HARTFORD, Conn. (Nov. 24, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced it will hold several enrollment fairs in December to help Connecticut residents shop, compare and enroll in health or dental coverage. They can also renew their coverage. 

Enrollment fairs are one-day events for customers to get in-person help from experts. The fairs will take place in Bristol, Hamden, Hartford, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury and West Hartford. All help is free. 

Open Enrollment began Nov. 1, 2025 and ends Jan. 15, 2026.

The Dec. 15, 2025 enrollment deadline is coming up. If customers enroll on or before Dec. 15, 2025, coverage will start Jan. 1, 2026. If they enroll between Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. 

Connecticut residents who want to attend a fair can book an appointment online on the Enrollment Events webpage on AccessHealthCT.com. 

The enrollment fairs will take place at the following places and times: 

“Recent federal changes have made the enrollment process more complex for many people, and we’re here to make it easier,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “Our enrollment experts are ready to answer questions and guide you through choosing a health or dental plan that gives you peace of mind heading into the new year.”

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair.

AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment available in English and Spanish.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator. Help is available in over 100 languages.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, 2025 and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026. 

The call center will be closed Nov. 27, 2025, Dec. 25, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.  

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 

Access Health CT Hosts Free, In-Person Events Offering Expert Help to Residents Enrolling in Health and Dental Coverage

Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1 

HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 30, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, today announced it will hold several enrollment fairs in November to help Connecticut residents shop, compare and enroll in health or dental coverage. They can also renew their coverage. Enrollment fairs are one-day events for customers to get in-person help from experts. The fairs will take place in Danbury, Manchester, Norwalk, Norwich, New London, Stratford and Willimantic. All help is free. 

Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2025 and ends Jan. 15, 2026.

When you enroll affects when your coverage starts. If customers enroll on or before Dec. 15, 2025, coverage will start Jan. 1, 2026. If they enroll between Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. 

Connecticut residents who want to attend a fair can book an appointment online on the Enrollment Events webpage on AccessHealthCT.com. 

The enrollment fairs will take place at the following places and times: 

“It’s important that our customers have access to in-person enrollment help no matter where they live, so we are increasing our outreach efforts this year,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “By expanding our team of Mobile Enrollment Specialists, hosting evening and weekend enrollment fairs, and adding more Navigator locations, we’re making sure help is available when and where people need it. We also introduced a new enrollment appointment scheduling button on our homepage so people can get assistance from an expert at a convenient time for them.”

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair.

AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment available in English and Spanish.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator. Help is available in over 100 languages.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, 2025 and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026. 

The call center will be closed Nov. 27, 2025, Dec. 25, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.  

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 

Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1

Online appointment scheduling for free, in-person help now available 

HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 29, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) announced the Open Enrollment Period begins Nov. 1, 2025 and ends Jan. 15, 2026. Connecticut residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance plans or renew their coverage. Customers can also enroll in dental insurance. When customers enroll determines when coverage starts.If customers enroll on or before Dec. 15, 2025, coverage will start Jan. 1, 2026. If they enroll between Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. 

AHCT remains the onlyplace Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost insurance for eligible residents. 

“Federal changes are reducing the amount of financial help and customers can expect to pay more for their coverage this year,” said James Michel, Chief Executive Officer of Access Health CT. “While some of the financial help is expiring, not all financial help is going away. It’s important to know that financial assistance is still available.”

It’s possible that the federal government will extend the enhanced subsidies, but the enhanced premium tax credits first made available by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act are set to expire December 31, 2025. 

“We encourage you to shop around for a plan this year,” said Michel. “If you need help choosing a health plan that works best for you and your family, we can help you find a broker. They are free to work with and are trained to help you find a plan. Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click ‘Get Help’ to search our database of certified brokers that are ready and available to assist you.”

There are 22 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) available for customers to choose from this year. Plans are available from three insurance carriers, including Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. and ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc. Connecticut residents, including those who are eligible for Medicare, can also enroll in a stand-alone dental plan through AHCT whether they have health coverage or not. 

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair.

AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment available in English and Spanish.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026. 

The call center will be closed Nov. 27, 2025, Dec. 25, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.  

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nov. 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to noon Dec. 24, 2025 and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Access Health CT Remains Open During Government Shutdown

HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 2, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT), the state’s official health insurance marketplace, and the call center remain open for business during the government shutdown. The shutdown does not have an operational impact to Access Health CT or its customers. Financial help, including Advanced Premium Tax Credits, will continue to be available.

Customers can get help to answer their questions. For help online, visit AccessHealthCT.com. Customers can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

The call center remains open at 1-855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. 

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. 

Access Health CT Estimates Impact of Reconciliation Bill, Up to 35 Percent of Customers May Lose Coverage by 2034

Despite federal headwinds, financial help and the ability to enroll in a quality health plan remains strong and intact for Connecticut residents and Americans nationwide

HARTFORD, Conn. (July 9, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, estimates the impact of the Reconciliation Bill – or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” –  and other federal changes to be significant for Connecticut’s residents, with 30 to 35 percent of its more than 150,000 customers potentially losing coverage by 2034. The combined impact of the bill, the expiration of some subsidies that reduce the cost of monthly payments for exchange customers and recently issued federal regulatory changes, are all leading to greatly increased costs and challenges for consumers. Medicaid, administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), will experience far more spending cuts and changes.

“Millions of Americans, including thousands of Connecticut residents, will lose their health insurance because of the combination of this federal legislation and the likely expiration of enhanced subsidies first made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act and extended through plan year 2025 through the Inflation Reduction Act along with other federal policy changes,” said Chief Executive Officer of Access Health CT, James Michel. “These changes can be expected to increase costs for customers here in Connecticut, and nationwide, and create barriers to financial help.”

Immediate impacts for Access Health CT customers who purchase their insurance through the marketplace include:

These new requirements will complicate the enrollment and verification process for customers who purchase health insurance through state-based and federal marketplaces. It also puts additional bureaucratic burdens on customers, making it more difficult to enroll and maintain their health coverage. 

“Despite the federal headwinds,” said Michel, “Access Health CT is here to help. Financial assistance will still be available for eligible Connecticut residents, and we will continue our extensive outreach to those in need of health coverage to help them find a plan that works best for them and their families.”

Access Health CT recommends shopping for a health plan during the upcoming Open Enrollment season starting November 1. Customers who often auto-renew into a similar plan may find a different plan works better for them because of federal changes. Customers who do not currently work with a Certified Broker may also benefit from free assistance to help select a plan. Find free help from the Access Health CT team and find a broker online at AccessHealthCT.com/Get-Help.

To help reduce the burden on Connecticut residents, Access Health CT continues to increase the number of Certified Brokers in the state within underserved communities through its innovative, first-of-its-kind Broker Academy program. The Broker Academy has produced a total of 73 new brokers since its inception in 2021. More students are completing the process of training and certification, and will be ready to serve Connecticut residents during the Open Enrollment Period later this year.

Connecticut Residents Can Now Request Information About Health Insurance Options While Filing Taxes

HARTFORD, Conn. (April 7, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) today announced that Connecticut residents can now check a box on their state income tax return to get information about health coverage options. In 2023, the state passed Public Act 23-204 which provided the authority for this partnership.

AHCT is the official health insurance marketplace for Connecticut and the only place to get financial help to help offset the cost of health coverage. Eligible customers can enroll in Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) or other low- or no-cost health coverage including the Covered CT Program which provides health and dental coverage at no cost to the customer, or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid Program and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  

Those who check the box will receive information about coverage options and financial help from AHCT.

“Thanks to our new Covered CT Program and President Biden’s expansion of the Affordable Care Act, there are a lot of people who may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance in Connecticut who may not know it,” said State Senator Matt Lesser. “This initiative will help families get quotes and learn about the benefits they are already eligible for. Similar programs have worked in states like Maryland. I was thrilled to author this provision and am grateful for the collaboration of the Governor’s Office, Access Health CT, and the Department of Revenue Services, and going forward, I hope we can continue to streamline health care and get better information to consumers.”

“We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with the Department of Revenue Services to reach new audiences that may be in need of quality, affordable health coverage options,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “We are the only place where Connecticut residents can qualify for financial help to lower health insurance costs, and this helps us get the word out to even more people that assistance is available.”

“Tax season is a busy time, and this is one way we can make things a little easier for people who want to learn more about health coverage options in Connecticut,” said DRS Commissioner Mark Boughton. “We’re happy to collaborate with Access Health CT and do our part to help share this important information.”

Access Health CT Announces Applications are Open for 2025 Broker Academy Program

The free training program is diversifying the broker community in Connecticut and reaching underserved communities 

HARTFORD, Conn. (March 14, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced that applications are open for the 2025 Broker Academy Program. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is March 31.

The Broker Academy is now in its fourth year. This free program recruits and trains individuals from underserved communities in Connecticut, giving them the skills to become licensed health insurance brokers. The program aims to help reduce health disparities and uninsured rates and increase trust in the healthcare system by embedding these professionals in the state’s hardest-to-reach areas.

As a result of the program, 73 new brokers are now working within communities across the state, making it easier for all Connecticut residents to get the information and help they need to enroll in health and dental insurance.

The increase in brokers working in areas where these resources are not readily available means more people can access health care, which can lead to a healthier life. By increasing enrollment within their own communities, the brokers are playing an important role in fulfilling AHCT’s mission of reducing the rate of the uninsured and eliminating health disparities.

Nearly half of AHCT’s customers worked with a broker during the recent Open Enrollment Period. 

Health insurance brokers help their clients shop, compare and enroll in a health insurance plan that best fits their needs. They play a crucial role in helping their clients understand their selected insurance plan and how to use it. Brokers also answer their clients’ questions throughout the year, even after the enrollment process is over.

To participate in the Broker Academy, applicants must be 18 years or older. They must hold a high school diploma or GED, have one to three letters of recommendation and have community service experience. The program is open to all Connecticut residents. Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas.

Along with free training, accepted Broker Academy candidates will get a five-month mentorship with an experienced broker, professional development and program support. Weekly training sessions for program readiness will start May 1. In-person classes will take place June 7 and 8. Classes will be in Danbury and New Britain.

“I am proud of what the Broker Academy has accomplished in its first three years,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “The new brokers are building trust in underserved communities in the state, ensuring everyone has access to accurate information and free help. The program is helping us achieve our mission of reducing the rate of the uninsured and eliminating health disparities, and I’m excited to see what this year’s cohort will accomplish.”

AHCT is hosting free virtual Broker Academy information sessions. The remaining sessions will take place March 18 and April 1 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To register for a session, click here.

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.”