You may qualify for some type of financial help, low-cost or free coverage.
By providing your income and household information, you will see if you can enroll and qualify for financial help to pay for your coverage. This benefit is only available through Access Health CT!
You might qualify depending on:
- Household size
- Income
- Home address
The American Rescue Plan Act has made more financial help available through Access Health CT for residents at virtually every income level.
The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Connecticut residents with lower income provides access to no- or very low-cost health insurance plans made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Also, through Access Health CT, Connecticut residents that meet specific eligibility requirements pay $0 for their health insurance coverage with the Covered Connecticut Program. This program now provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
Types of financial help and low/no cost programs
Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC)
An APTC lowers your monthly payment (or premium). It is sent directly to your insurance company from the federal government. To qualify for an APTC, you:
- Cannot be eligible for other affordable healthcare coverage through your employer or a government program, such as Medicaid
- Must be a Connecticut resident and a citizen or lawful resident of the United States, and not in prison (other than pending final disposition of charges)
- Must enroll in coverage through Access Health CT
Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR)
Cost-Sharing Reduction lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments when you get medical services. If you qualify for CSR, you must enroll in a Silver level plan to get these lower costs.
Covered Connecticut Program
Since July 1, 2021, Connecticut residents that meet specific eligibility requirements pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT.
The Covered Connecticut Program now provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
The State of Connecticut will pay the customer portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to insurance company (Anthem/ConnectiCare, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. or ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc.) and they will also pay for the cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs) that customers would normally have to pay with a health insurance plan.
New Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income
There is a new Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income, allowing some residents to sign up for health coverage through Access Health CT outside of the Open Enrollment Period.
If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (see chart below) you can use this opportunity to enroll through Access Health CT. Right now, you must call us to enroll.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) increased the amount of financial help available and made it available to many more CT residents, and this new Special Enrollment Period gives residents with lower incomes another chance to access these additional savings on monthly bills. Financial help is available that can reduce the monthly cost of health insurance to nearly $0.
Husky Health Programs: Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid (or Husky Health Programs) offers free or low-cost healthcare coverage if your household meets the income requirements described in the chart below, and you are:
- Currently pregnant
- A single Connecticut resident who has no children, or who has children age 19 or older
- Parents or caregivers of Medicaid-eligible children
- A Medicaid-eligible child (under 19)
For more information about Husky Health Programs, click here.
Easy steps to see if you are eligible for financial help
- Give some income and household information when you apply.
- We will help you calculate your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
- We will let you know which program can give you the most financial help.
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