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(Updated March 10) Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace, Access Health CT, has opened a new shopping period for people who don’t have health insurance. That means that if you are uninsured, you can sign up for coverage between now and April 15 through Access Health.
Here are some of the details. To learn more from Access Health, click here.
Who is this special enrollment period for?
The current special enrollment period is for people who are uninsured to sign up for insurance plans through Access Health CT.
If you’re uninsured, it’s a good idea to see what kind of coverage you’re eligible to get. Most Access Health customers receive financial assistance to discount the cost of their insurance.
When will my coverage start?
If you sign up by March 31, your coverage will begin April 1. If you sign up between April 1 and April 15, your coverage will start May 1. In both cases, you’ll need to pay your first month’s premium before your coverage takes effect.
What if I need help?
Free help is available from Access Health:
- Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com click “Live Chat” icon)
- Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri. 8 AM – 4 PM
- With Enrollment Specialists in the community
- In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations:
- Project Access New Haven located at 63 York Street in New Haven, Conn.
- Community Renewal Team located at 330 Market Street in Hartford, Conn.
Is this a normal sign-up period?
Typically, the only time for people to sign up for insurance through the marketplace is during the annual open enrollment period in the fall. This is a special enrollment period for people who are uninsured. Access Health opened this special window for sign ups because of the ongoing public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What if I need coverage after the April 15 deadline?
While this special enrollment period only lasts through April 15, if you lose your insurance because of a life event such as losing your job or getting divorced, at any point in the year, you will be eligible for a separate special enrollment period.
In addition, many people who are uninsured qualify for HUSKY, Connecticut’s Medicaid program. If you qualify for HUSKY, you can sign up at any time during the year (including right now). You can find out if you’re eligible here and sign up through Access Health.
If you’re uninsured now, your best bet is to find out what kind of coverage you can get now, since you’ll have the most options.
What else should I know?
You might have heard about a longer sign-up period through HealthCare.gov, the federal insurance marketplace. Because Connecticut runs its own marketplace, Access Health CT, the dates for the sign-up period differ. Access Health officials said they will consider extending this sign-up period if necessary.