Connecticut ACA Benefits and Coverage: Your Complete 2026 Guide
If you live in Connecticut and need health insurance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides a wide range of benefits and financial assistance to help you get covered. Connecticut runs its own state-based marketplace called Access Health CT, which gives residents access to quality health plans, subsidies, and special programs like the Covered Connecticut Program.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Connecticut ACA benefits and coverage, including what services are covered, who qualifies for financial help, and how to enroll.
Not sure what you qualify for? Use our free screening tool to check your eligibility for ACA subsidies, Medicaid, and other assistance programs in minutes.
What Is Access Health CT?
Access Health CT is Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace. It was created under the ACA to give individuals and families a single place to shop for, compare, and enroll in health and dental plans. It is also the only place where Connecticut residents can qualify for federal tax credits and subsidies to lower their monthly premiums.
Through Access Health CT, you can enroll in:
- Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels
- Stand-Alone Dental Plans (SADPs)
- HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid and CHIP)
- The Covered Connecticut Program for adults with incomes between 138% and 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
You can reach Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325 or visit accesshealthct.com.
Essential Health Benefits Covered Under Connecticut ACA Plans
Every health plan sold through Access Health CT must cover 10 categories of essential health benefits required by the ACA. These include:
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you receive without being admitted to a hospital)
- Emergency services (emergency room visits)
- Hospitalization (inpatient care when you are admitted to a hospital)
- Maternity and newborn care (pregnancy, labor, delivery, and care for your newborn)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services (counseling, behavioral health treatment, and substance abuse treatment)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related services)
- Laboratory services (blood tests, lab work, and diagnostic screenings)
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management (annual checkups, vaccinations, and screenings at no cost to you)
- Pediatric services (dental and vision care for children)
In addition, all ACA plans in Connecticut must cover:
- Free preventive care including annual wellness visits, immunizations, and cancer screenings
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions with no waiting periods
- No annual or lifetime dollar limits on essential health benefits
- Coverage for dependents up to age 26 on a parent's plan
Connecticut ACA Income Limits and Financial Assistance for 2026
Financial help is available to lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs when you enroll through Access Health CT. The type and amount of assistance depends on your household size and income.
Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)
For 2026, federal premium tax credits are available to households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These credits lower your monthly insurance premium.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 400% FPL (Subsidy Cap) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $31,300 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $42,300 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $53,300 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $64,300 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $75,300 | $150,600 |
Important for 2026: The enhanced premium tax credits that were available from 2021 through 2025 expired at the end of 2025. This means the "subsidy cliff" has returned, and households with incomes above 400% FPL no longer qualify for federal subsidies. However, Connecticut has stepped in with its own state-funded assistance (see below).
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
If your income falls between 100% and 250% FPL, you may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions when you choose a Silver plan. CSRs lower your deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. You must select a Silver-level plan to receive these reductions.
2026 Temporary Premium Assistance (Connecticut State Program)
Connecticut is investing $70 million to help offset the impact of the expired federal enhanced tax credits. This state-funded program, called 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance, provides additional help to two income groups:
- 100% to 200% FPL: Eligible for Temporary Premium Assistance that covers the difference between the current federal tax credit and the expired enhanced tax credit amount
- Over 400% to 500% FPL: Eligible for Temporary Premium Assistance equal to 50% of the expired enhanced tax credit amount
| Household Size | Eligible at 100-200% FPL | Eligible at 400-500% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 to $31,300 | $62,601 to $78,250 |
| 2 | $21,150 to $42,300 | $84,601 to $105,750 |
| 3 | $26,650 to $53,300 | $106,601 to $133,250 |
| 4 | $32,150 to $64,300 | $128,601 to $160,750 |
| 5 | $37,650 to $75,300 | $150,601 to $188,250 |
To take advantage of this program, you must call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325. The Temporary Premium Assistance is not yet visible when shopping for plans online.
The Covered Connecticut Program
The Covered Connecticut Program is a unique state program that provides free health coverage to eligible adults. If you earn between 138% and 175% FPL and do not qualify for HUSKY Health (Medicaid), you may be eligible.
Participants in the Covered Connecticut Program receive:
- $0 monthly premiums (the program covers any remaining premium after federal subsidies)
- $0 cost-sharing (no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance)
- Dental benefits through the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
To qualify, you must:
- Enroll in a Silver-level health plan through Access Health CT
- Accept all federal premium tax credits available to you
- Have a household income between 138% and 175% FPL
| Household Size | Covered CT Income Range (138-175% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,597 to $27,388 |
| 2 | $29,207 to $37,013 |
| 3 | $36,817 to $46,638 |
| 4 | $44,427 to $56,263 |
HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid)
If your income is low enough, you may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through HUSKY Health, Connecticut's Medicaid program. Connecticut expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so coverage is available to more adults.
HUSKY Health Income Limits
| Category | FPL Threshold | Individual Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| HUSKY D (Adults 19-64, no dependents) | 138% FPL | Up to $21,597 |
| HUSKY A (Parents/Caretakers) | 155% FPL | Up to $24,258 |
| HUSKY A (Children 0-18) | 196% FPL | Up to $30,674 |
| HUSKY A (Pregnant Women) | 263% FPL | Up to $41,160 |
HUSKY Health covers a comprehensive set of benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, dental care, behavioral health services, and more.
Apply online at connect.ct.gov or call 1-855-805-4325.
How to Apply for Connecticut ACA Benefits and Coverage
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Start by determining what programs you may qualify for. Use our free screening tool to get a quick estimate based on your household size, income, and location.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, have the following ready:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Information about any current health coverage
- Employer coverage details (if offered through work)
Step 3: Create an Account on Access Health CT
Visit accesshealthct.com and create an account. You will complete a single application that checks your eligibility for:
- Qualified Health Plans with subsidies
- HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP)
- The Covered Connecticut Program
Step 4: Compare Plans and Enroll
Once your eligibility is determined, browse available plans. Compare monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Consider:
- Bronze plans: Lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs
- Silver plans: Moderate premiums, eligible for cost-sharing reductions
- Gold plans: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs
- Platinum plans: Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs
Step 5: Confirm Your Coverage
After selecting a plan, review your enrollment details and make your first premium payment to activate coverage.
Enrollment Periods
- Open Enrollment for 2026: November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026
- Special Enrollment Periods: Available year-round if you experience a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to Connecticut
- 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance SEP: Call Access Health CT to see if you qualify for this special enrollment window
Getting Help With Enrollment
You do not have to navigate the process alone. Connecticut offers several free resources:
- Access Health CT Call Center: 1-855-805-4325 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428). Help is available in multiple languages.
- Certified Brokers: Find a local broker at accesshealthct.com who can help you choose the right plan at no cost.
- In-Person Navigators: Community organizations across Connecticut offer free enrollment assistance.
- Live Chat: Available on the Access Health CT website during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to enroll in Connecticut ACA coverage for 2026?
The Open Enrollment Period for 2026 plans ran from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026. However, you can still enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event or if you qualify for the 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance. Call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325 to learn more.
Can I get free health insurance in Connecticut?
Yes. If your income falls between 138% and 175% FPL, the Covered Connecticut Program provides $0 premiums and $0 cost-sharing on a Silver plan. If your income is below 138% FPL, you may qualify for HUSKY Health (Medicaid), which also provides free coverage.
What happens now that the enhanced ACA subsidies expired?
The enhanced premium tax credits that kept costs lower from 2021 through 2025 have expired. For 2026, federal subsidies are only available to households earning up to 400% FPL, and the amounts may be smaller. Connecticut has created the 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance program to help fill the gap for residents earning 100-200% FPL and 400-500% FPL.
Do ACA plans in Connecticut cover dental and vision?
All ACA plans include pediatric dental and vision coverage. Adults can purchase stand-alone dental plans through Access Health CT. Participants in the Covered Connecticut Program receive dental benefits at no additional cost.
How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid or ACA subsidies?
The simplest way is to use our free eligibility screening tool. It checks your eligibility for Medicaid, ACA subsidies, and other assistance programs based on your household information. You can also apply directly through Access Health CT, which uses a single application to determine your eligibility for all programs.
Can I change my plan during the year?
Outside of Open Enrollment, you can only change your plan if you have a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving. Some changes in income may also allow you to update your plan or subsidy amount.
Take the Next Step
Connecticut offers some of the most comprehensive ACA benefits and coverage options in the country, including unique programs like Covered Connecticut and the 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance. Whether you need full coverage through HUSKY Health or affordable marketplace insurance with subsidies, help is available.
Check your eligibility now with our free screening tool to see which Connecticut benefits and programs you may qualify for. It takes just a few minutes and could save you thousands of dollars on health coverage.
