The Inflation Reduction Act Means More Access to Affordable Coverage in CT

Residents can act during the Open Enrollment Period starting November 1. Many current customers continue to see lower monthly bills.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes health insurance coverage more affordable by greatly reducing monthly payments (premiums) for many people who enroll through Access Health CT. And it provides financial help for people with somewhat higher incomes who can face high premiums. More people qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.

Financial help is only available through Access Health CT and this year it will remain significantly greater for most Connecticut residents. For those already enrolled in health insurance through Access Health CT, some people will continue to receive federal financial help (known as premium tax credits) to reduce their portion of monthly premiums.

Financial Help: Types Available & How to Qualify

Most people who enroll through Access Health CT get some type of financial help, no- or low-cost coverage (including the Covered Connecticut Program). We can determine if you qualify for financial help for your Qualified Health Plan (QHP), or are eligible for now- or low-cost coverage, based on your tax household’s information, including:

Annual Income: Household’s total expected income for the year you need coverage
Household size: Total number of people in the household that file taxes together
Home address: Where you live.

If you enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through Access Health CT, there are two types of financial help you may qualify for:

Premium Tax Credits (PTC) that can help reduce your monthly payments, and
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) that can reduce what you pay out-of-pocket when you use your plan

Additionally, for those who are eligible, the Covered Connecticut Program is a no-cost option. The State of Connecticut pays the customer’s portion of the monthly payment (premium) and cost-sharing amounts (like deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance) that customers would typically have to pay with a health insurance plan.

Premium Tax Credit lowers your monthly payment (or premium). It is a payment sent directly to your insurance company from the federal government to lower the amount that you pay for your plan. Many people use their Premium Tax Credit in advance to reduce their monthly payments, but you can also wait and claim it when you file your federal income tax return. To qualify, you:

Must be a resident of Connecticut and not in prison
Must enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through Access Health CT
Cannot be eligible for other affordable healthcare coverage through your employer or through a government-sponsored program, such as HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP), Medicare, Tricare, or VA benefits

You must not be claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s return

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket for deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments when you get medical services. If you qualify for CSRs, you must enroll in a Silver-level plan to have these lower costs. Once you enroll, you will have access to reduced out-of-pocket costs for services when you use your plan.

Covered Connecticut Program where the State of Connecticut pays your portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to your insurance company and also pays the cost-sharing amounts that you would normally have to pay with a health insurance plan, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

Already enrolled through Access Health CT?

If you are already enrolled through Access Health CT, you may need to take action to renew your health insurance plan and see all the financial help available to you. You may make changes to your plan during the Open Enrollment period starting November 1. Many Access Health CT customers choose to be automatically re-enrolled for their health insurance coverage each year, but others may need to take steps to select a new plan. All current customers will be notified of their next steps by mail and/or email in late October. We always encourage all customers to shop and compare plans – make sure you have the right plan for you and get all the financial help you can.

Still have questions? Remember, all help is FREE!

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 help.

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 TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator (we speak over 100 languages).
Find a Certified Broker near you who can recommend a plan that is right for your needs and budget.

Find Enrollment Specialists near you. In-person help is available year-round.

Community Health Center Association of CT (CHCACT)
Visit online or call 860-967-3836
Hours Available: Mon – Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- CT Institute for Communities (CIFC Health)
  120 Main Street, 4th Floor, Danbury, CT 06810
- United Community and Family Services (UCFS)
  34 East Town Street, Norwich, CT 06360
- Generations Family Health Center
  40 Mansfield Ave, Willimantic, CT 06226.

Community Renewal Team (CRT)
330 Market Street, Hartford, CT 06120
Visit online or call 860-761-7920 or 860-462-5104 (cell)
Hours Available: Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with evenings as needed.

Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP)
1470 Barnum Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Visit online or call 203-366-8255
Hours Available: Mon – Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with evenings as needed.

New Opportunities, Inc.
232 North Elm Street, Waterbury, CT 06702
Visit online or call 203-598-1781
Hours Available: Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with evenings as needed.