Finding the right health insurance plan depends on your situation, income, and needs. Use this guide to explore your options and find coverage that works for you.
Employer-Sponsored Insurance is often your most affordable option because employers typically pay part of the premium costs.
What to know:
Plans vary widely in design, network, and costs
You can choose during annual open enrollment (usually once per year)
New employees may have a waiting period (30-90 days) before eligibility
Can cover spouse and children (kids can stay on until age 26)
Special enrollment window when you first become eligible
Best for: People with access to employer benefits who want affordable, comprehensive coverage
HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid) provides comprehensive coverage with little to no cost.
HUSKY A - Children, parents/caregivers, and pregnant women
- Children (up to 19): Family income up to 196% of Federal Poverty Level
- Pregnant women: Income up to 258% FPL
- Parents/caregivers: Income up to 155% FPL
HUSKY B - Children in higher-income families
- May have monthly premiums and cost-sharing based on income
HUSKY D - Adults without dependent children
- Income up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level
What's covered: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, dental, vision, and more—usually with no monthly premiums and minimal copays
Special benefits:
- Can cover you retroactively up to 90 days from application date
- May pay outstanding medical bills from before you applied
- Eligibility based on current monthly income (including unemployment benefits)
Best for: Low to moderate-income individuals and families who qualify, especially those recently unemployed with reduced income
Medicare provides health insurance for seniors and people with certain disabilities.
Original Medicare:
- Part A (Hospital): Inpatient care, skilled nursing—most pay no premium
- Part B (Medical): Doctor visits, outpatient care—about $175/month in 2025
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage (optional, through private plans)
- Medigap: Supplemental insurance to help with deductibles and coinsurance
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
- Private plans combining Parts A & B
- Often includes prescription coverage
- May offer extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing
- Network restrictions apply
HUSKY C - For seniors and people with disabilities who also qualify for Medicaid
- Income limit: about $835/month for individuals
- Asset limit: $1,600 for individuals
- Includes long-term care services
Special enrollment periods:
- 8 months to enroll in Parts A & B after losing employer coverage
- 63 days for Part D or Medicare Advantage
- 63 days for guaranteed Medigap enrollment after employer coverage ends
- Penalties may apply if you miss these windows
You qualify if you're:
- 65 or older, OR
- Under 65 with disabilities (after 24 months of Social Security Disability), OR
- Have End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS
Best for: Seniors and people with qualifying disabilities who need comprehensive healthcare coverageAccess Health CT Marketplace offers plans for individuals and families without employer coverage.
What you get:
- Multiple plan options from private insurers
- All plans cover essential health benefits
- Four metal categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
- No denial for pre-existing conditions
Financial help available:
- Premium Tax Credits: Reduce monthly costs for incomes 100-400% of Federal Poverty Level
- Cost-Sharing Reductions: Lower deductibles and copays for incomes below 250% FPL
- Based on projected annual income
When to enroll:
- Open Enrollment: November 1 - January 15 annually
- Special Enrollment: 60 days after life events like losing coverage, marriage, having a baby, or moving
- Coverage begins first day of the month after you enroll
Best for: Self-employed individuals, people between jobs, or those whose employers don't offer insurance
Join Family Member's Plan
- Enroll in spouse/partner's or parent's employer plan (if under 26)
- Must act within 30 days of losing coverage
- Coverage typically starts the next month
Access Health CT Marketplace
- 60-day special enrollment period after losing coverage
- May qualify for financial assistance based on income
-Coverage begins first day of month after enrollment
HUSKY Health (if income qualifies)
- Based on current monthly income (including unemployment benefits)
- Can apply any time during the year
- May cover retroactively up to 90 days and pay outstanding bills
Medicare (if 65+)
- Special enrollment periods: 8 months for Parts A & B, 63 days for Part D
- Penalties apply if you miss enrollment windows
If you aren’t sure where to start,
Need Help? We’re here for you!
Finding the right health insurance coverage can be challenging, but you don't need to navigate this process alone. Our team of healthcare advocates can help you understand your options and find coverage that meets your healthcare needs and financial situation.
Email: Healthcare.Advocate@ct.gov
Phone: 866-466-4446 (toll-free)
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: closed
