CT Insurance Department Logo   Office of Health Strategy   Department of Social Services
 

CONSUMER ALERT – July 1, 2021
 
The Covered Connecticut Program Will Pay Health and Dental Premiums
for Eligible Members of an AccessHealth CT Silver Plan
 

Starting July 1, 2021, some Connecticut residents that meet specific eligibility requirements will be paying $0 for their healthcare coverage through Access Health CT, thanks to the new Covered Connecticut Program created by the State of Connecticut. The Covered Connecticut Program is administered by the State Office of Health Strategy in partnership with the Department of Social Services, the Insurance Department and Access Health CT.

Parents/caretakers, and their tax dependents, must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in the Covered Connecticut Program:

  1. Have a household annual income that is greater than 160%, or less than or equal to 175%, of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  2. Have at least one dependent child in the household under age 19. A child who is age 18 must be a full-time student.
  3. Be eligible for Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
  4. Use 100% of Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs) available to you, along with the expanded American Rescue Plan (ARP) financial assistance.

Be enrolled in an eligible Silver Level Plan

Background: In this new program, the State of Connecticut will pay the consumer portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to insurance carriers (Anthem/ConnectiCare), and will also pay for all of the cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of- pocket costs) that customers normally would have to pay with a health insurance plan.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Access Health CT?

Access Health CT (AHCT) is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, where you can shop, compare and enroll in quality healthcare plans; and is the only place where you can qualify for financial help to lower your costs. Your application will also be considered for free or low-cost coverage through HUSKY Health (Medicaid/the Children’s Health Insurance Program or CHIP).

Can anyone enroll though Access Health CT?

If you are a Connecticut resident who is lawfully present (U.S. citizen, by birth/naturalization, or who has a valid, current U.S. immigration status) and non-incarcerated, you can enroll through Access Health CT.

How will current, eligible Access Health CT customers be notified about the new Covered Connecticut Program?

Access Health CT will be notifying eligible customers about their eligibility and actions required to benefit from the Covered Connecticut Program through email and direct mail.

What do Access Health CT customers need to do to participate in the Covered Connecticut Program?

If you are an Access Health CT customer that meets the eligibility requirements, and are enrolled in a qualifying Silver Plan, you may want to verify that you are taking 100% of the Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs) available to you, and are receiving the expanded American Rescue Plan (ARP) financial assistance.

If you are not currently enrolled in an eligible Silver Plan, and/or not taking 100% of the Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs) available to you, and/or not receiving the expanded American Rescue Plan (ARP) financial assistance, you can make plan changes.

If you are a new customer and think you may be eligible, contact the Call Center for help. You may also visit a navigator or certified application counselor (CAC) who may also assist you.

The Access Health CT Call Center can be reached at 1–855-805-4325, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Should I contact a broker or my broker?

If you want advice about whether to change plans or for selecting a plan if you are new to Access Health CT, you should speak to a broker to review your options and your needs. If you do not have a broker you can find one by visiting www.AccessHealthCT.com, selecting “Get Help” and then “Find Certified Broker.”

What types of health care or services will be covered through this program?

All health care and services must be medically necessary and covered by the health insurance plan to be paid by the State of Connecticut.

What is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), signed into law on March 11, 2021 by President Biden has made health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible for many Connecticut residents during the current health crisis, by virtually eliminating or vastly reducing monthly payments (premiums) for many people with low and moderate incomes who enroll through Access Health CT; and providing new financial help for people with somewhat higher incomes who can face high premiums.