CONSUMER NOTICE – December 9, 2025
 

Important Tips for Shopping for Health Coverage During Open Enrollment

 

The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) reminds consumers that Open Enrollment for individual health insurance is currently underway. Open Enrollment is an opportunity to review options and select a health plan that best fits individual needs and budgets.

Open Enrollment for 2026 began on November 1 and runs through January 15, 2026. To have coverage begin on January 1, 2026, the deadline to enroll is December 15, 2025. The final deadline to enroll for coverage beginning February 1, 2026, is January 15, 2026.

Open Enrollment is the only time of year Connecticut residents can enroll in a health or dental plan unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Special Enrollment Periods occur after a Qualifying Life Event such as losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to Connecticut. You generally have 60 days from the event to contact Access Health CT and enroll.

Understanding Costs and Federal Subsidies

This year, there is uncertainty surrounding federal subsidies that help reduce premiums for ACA-compliant plans. In this environment, some alternative products may appear less expensive at first glance. However, these products often lack key protections, may not be ACA-compliant, and do not provide the same level of coverage as plans offered through Access Health CT or employer-sponsored insurance. Consumers should review plan details carefully and confirm that any plan they are considering is sold by a licensed insurance carrier or broker in Connecticut.

Products Marketed During Open Enrollment

During Open Enrollment, consumers may see promotions for a wide range of health-related products online, through telemarketing, or on social media. Some of these products are not licensed in Connecticut and do not comply with state or federal consumer protection requirements.

Understanding Alternative Health Coverage Options

Some companies offer plans that describe themselves as “self-funded,” “limited partner,” or “risk-sharing” arrangements. These products are not regulated as insurance by the State and may provide limited coverage. Consumers enrolled in these plans may be responsible for expenses that are not covered.

Some entities currently marketing these types of plans in Connecticut include:

  • Affiliated Workers Alliance
  • Consumer Data Partners, LP
  • Employers Business Alliance, LLC
  • Good Health Distribution Benefit Partners LLC
  • Healthcare Data Analytics
  • Innovative Partners, LP
  • Socios Buenos, LP
  • Strategic Limited Partners
  • The Vitamin Patch, LLC

How these Plans Differ from Traditional Major Medical Health Insurance Coverage

Major medical insurance plans provide coverage for preventive care, office visits, inpatient and outpatient services, prescriptions, emergency care, and other essential services. Many alternative products cover only limited services and may place restrictions on preventive care depending on where services are provided.

Need Help?

Consumers with questions or concerns can contact the Connecticut Insurance Department:

Email: insurance@ct.gov.
Phone: 860-297-3900
Website: ct.gov/cid

Additional Resources

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The information should not be construed as coverage, legal, financial or other professional advice, and is not a recommendation about managing or investing your retirement savings. Policies have exclusions and limitations. Individuals seeking information regarding their particular investment needs, objectives and financial situation should contact an insurance producer, financial advisor or attorney. The CID makes no representations or warranties that the materials on this site are suitable for your needs, are complete, timely, reliable, accurate or free from errors, inaccuracies or typographical mistakes.