Connecticut residents can now shop for health coverage through Access Health CT, the state’s health‑insurance exchange, during open enrollment that runs from Oct. 23 through Dec. 15 for plans starting Jan. 1. A second enrollment window runs until Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1.
State‑funded subsidies replace expired federal aid
Federal pandemic‑era subsidies that lowered ACA premiums expired at the end of 2025. In response, Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut will step in to fund the same level of assistance for the 2026 plan year and will continue that support into 2027.
The state’s “Temporary Premium Assistance” (TPA) program will replace the expired federal subsidies for residents whose incomes fall between 100% and 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For those earning between 400% and 500% of the FPL, the TPA will cover half of the amount that the former federal subsidies would have provided.
For reference, the 2026 FPL was $15,960 for an individual and $33,000 for a family of four.
New subsidy for early‑childhood educators
Lamont also unveiled a new program aimed at early‑childhood educators who purchase 2027 coverage on the exchange. Eligible workers can receive a subsidy ranging from $1,000 to $1,200 per year.
The governor said the assistance reflects “Connecticut’s continued commitment to recruiting and retaining qualified educators.” Eligible participants include teachers, directors, and support staff employed by licensed childcare centers or family‑childcare homes. Public‑school preschool teachers are not covered by this specific subsidy.
State officials estimate that between 7,200 and 8,800 early‑childhood workers will qualify. The subsidy is additive – recipients may still receive other state or federal assistance, such as TPA, but those already enrolled in CoveredCT or Medicaid cannot receive the educator subsidy.
How to enroll
All subsidies, including CoveredCT and TPA, will appear automatically in the pricing on the Access Health CT enrollment system for qualified applicants. Early‑childhood educators must first create an account in the Early Childhood Professional Registry and indicate their employment status on the application.
Residents can enroll online, by phone at 1‑855‑805‑4325, or in person with an enrollment specialist. In‑person appointments and enrollment events are being held across the state throughout the open‑enrollment period.
What this means for families
By maintaining subsidy levels, Connecticut aims to keep health‑insurance costs affordable for low‑ and moderate‑income families, while the new educator subsidy seeks to support a vital workforce that helps families balance work and child‑care responsibilities. The combined approach underscores the state’s focus on both health security and workforce stability.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
