Record Number of Connecticut Residents Enroll in Health Insurance Plans Through Access Health CT for 2024

Access Health CT sees highest ever enrollment.

HARTFORD, Conn. (Jan. 18, 2024) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced that a record number of  Connecticut residents enrolled in 2024 health insurance plans through AHCT during the Open Enrollment period, which began Nov. 1, 2023 and ended Jan. 15, 2024.

A total of 129,000 people enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan for 2024, compared to 108,142 enrolled at the close of Open Enrollment last year. This is the highest enrollment since the state-based marketplace opened in 2013.

Included in that number are 27,393 residents enrolled with Covered CT benefits. The Covered CT Program provides no-cost coverage for eligible Connecticut 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 14,050 residents.

There are several reasons for the increased enrollment. AHCT trained and supported new brokers  throughout the state to help residents with the application process. A targeted marketing and outreach campaign helped increase enrollment, with efforts focused on underserved communities and neighborhoods with high populations of uninsured residents. Medicaid Unwinding, which began April 1, 2023, also impacted enrollment for 2024. Medicaid Unwinding is the process of resuming the review of households for Medicaid/HUSKY Health eligibility after a three-year break during the Public Health Emergency.  Residents no longer eligible for coverage through HUSKY Health may now be eligible for financial help to enroll in a health insurance plan.

Beginning in late spring 2023, AHCT hosted an expanded number of outreach and enrollment fairs to help people affected by Medicaid Unwinding avoid gaps in coverage, as well as during Open Enrollment for all residents. Enrollment fairs are one-day events offering customers free, in-person help from enrollment specialists. AHCT also offers help year-round online, by phone and in person at their Navigator locations throughout the state.

The success of AHCT’s Broker Academy played an essential role in the unprecedented enrollment. Over the past two years, 50 new brokers were trained and licensed through the free program and now work within underserved communities across the state to help residents shop, compare and enroll in health insurance plans. These brokers also serve as trusted resources at in-person community outreach events.

“It takes the dedication and hard work of many to achieve these enrollment numbers,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “Our staff, community partners, partnership with the Department of Social Services, Broker Academy brokers and mentors, the legislative community and many others have made this a very successful Open Enrollment. I am proud to work with people who believe in our mission and understand the importance of health insurance coverage for everyone in Connecticut.”