CONSUMER NOTICE – February 13, 2026
 

Important Information About Health Insurance Premium Assistance for 2026 Coverage

 

The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) understands that many Connecticut residents are worried about rising health insurance costs in 2026. To help address these concerns, CID is sharing information about financial assistance that may be available to individuals and families who purchase coverage through Access Health CT. 

Some federal premium tax credits that helped lower monthly health insurance costs expired on December 31, 2025. To help lower unexpected premium increases for eligible residents, Temporary Premium Assistance is now available for certain individuals and families enrolled in Access Health CT health plans. This assistance is designed to help offset the loss of those federal credits and keep coverage more affordable. 

Understanding Temporary Premium Assistance

Temporary Premium Assistance is financial help available to eligible Connecticut residents enrolled in Access Health CT health insurance plans for 2026. 

  • The program replaces some or all the expired federal enhanced premium tax credits
  • Assistance is available for one year
  • This financial help is only available for plans purchased through Access Health CT
  • Catastrophic plans are not eligible 

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility for Temporary Premium Assistance is based on household size and annual income. Consumers enrolled in the Covered CT Program are not eligible for this assistance. 

Eligible Income Groups

Households with an annual income at 100% and up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and who are not enrolled in the Covered CT Program will be eligible for Temporary Premium Assistance for the difference between APTC amounts and the expired tax credits amounts. Households with an annual income of over 400% and up to 500% FPL will be eligible for Temporary Premium Assistance for 50% of the expired tax credit amounts. 

If You Are Already Enrolled in a plan through Access Health CT Plan for 2026

  • If you qualify, your insurance company will update your premium to reflect the new financial assistance
  • You do not need to re-enroll
  • If you already paid your January premium, your insurer will adjust your balance accordingly 

Consumers should watch for communications from their insurance carrier and Access Health CT. 

If You Are Not Enrolled in a plan through Access Health CT for 2026

A Special Enrollment Period is currently available for eligible consumers. Important details: 

  • Consumers must call to enroll
  • The end date for the Special Enrollment Period has not yet been determined
  • This Special Enrollment Period is only available to consumers who would qualify for the Temporary Premium assistance
  • This financial help is only available for Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans

How to Enroll or Get Assistance

At this time, Temporary Premium Assistance is not yet reflected in the Access Health CT online enrollment system. 

Consumers must call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325 to: 

  • Determine eligibility
  • Enroll in 2026 coverage
  • Request financial assistance 
  • Compare plans with free help from certified brokers 

TTY users may call 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Access Health CT offers free assistance from certified brokers and enrollment specialists who can help consumers understand their options and enroll in coverage. 

Consumers may also contact the Connecticut Insurance Department: 

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.