1. What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the period when you can shop, compare and enroll in or renew a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) or Stand-Alone Dental Plan (SADP) through Access Health CT. Whether you are renewing coverage or looking at insurance options for the first time, Access Health CT is here to help you understand how to enroll. And we can help you understand what to expect during Open Enrollment.
2. When is Open Enrollment?
Starting November 1, 2025, you can shop, compare and enroll in health and dental plans. If you want coverage that starts on January 1, 2026, you must enroll by December 15, 2025. If you enroll between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026, your coverage will begin February 1, 2026.
3. Is this the only time I can make a change to my plan?
Some people can enroll in health or dental coverage at any time of year; contact Access Health CT to see if you qualify. Otherwise, you can only enroll or make a change to your coverage during what’s called a Special Enrollment Period if something big changes in your life, called a Qualifying Life Event.
- Qualifying Life Event
A Qualifying Life Event is a change in your life status that makes you eligible to enroll in health or dental coverage outside of Open Enrollment. Examples of Qualifying Life Events include moving to Connecticut, certain changes to your household income, losing your health care coverage through a job and changes to your household size (due to marriage, divorce or birth). - Special Enrollment Period
A Special Enrollment Period is a time outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period during which you and your household members can enroll in health or dental coverage. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you will generally have a period of 60 days following your Qualifying Life Event to enroll in health or dental coverage through Access Health CT. Qualifying Life Events include, for example, a change in family status (i.e., marriage or birth of a child) or loss of health coverage. If you do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you cannot purchase health or dental insurance through Access Health CT until the next Open Enrollment period.
4. How do I shop, compare & enroll?
You can apply online, by phone or in-person.
5. Where can I get help?
Whether you have questions about your eligibility, comparing plans, or want to see if you qualify for financial help, our team is ready and available to assist you. Remember, all help is free!
- Visit our website at AccessHealthCT.com
- Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com; click “Live Chat” icon
- Phone: 1-855-805-4325; customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator (we speak over 100 languages).
- Attend one of our Enrollment Fairs
- Schedule an appointment with an Enrollment Specialist
- Find a Certified Broker or Certified Application Counselor (CAC) near you
