Home > Find a Plan > Annual Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is the time you can shop, compare and enroll in (or renew) a health or dental insurance plan for the upcoming year. Whether you are renewing your coverage or looking at insurance options for the first time, Access Health CT is here to help you understand what to expect during Open Enrollment. Even if you’ve already shopped before, take another look.
The best way to see your yearly cost is to fill out an application. That way you’ll be able to see if you qualify for financial help to lower your costs. Compare plans to get started
New Customers
Compare your options to find the right plan for you.
Take a look at the health and dental plans offered through Access Health CT. We can also help you find out if you qualify for financial help — more than 80% of people do. If you need help picking a plan, we can connect you with an expert who can help you decide, for free.
Create an account or Compare plans to get started.
Renewing Customers
Review your information and get ready to renew
Access Health CT encourages all customers to shop and compare plans. Open Enrollment is a great time to make sure your doctors and prescription drugs are in network. You also need to make sure your account information is updated and accurate.
Sign in to your account to report changes or review current household information or report changes.
Your guide to enrollment
Gather your documents
You will need the following information for each person in your household applying for insurance coverage:
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Visa, Green Card or immigration documents
- Most recent Form W-2 and/or Form 1040 or Form 1099
- Current insurance coverage
- Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements (if you own a business) or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household.
Report updates before renewal
If you are a current Access Health CT customer, you need to make sure your account information is up-to-date. If your household income, home and/or mailing address or phone number changes any time during the year, you need to update your account right away. This information is especially important if you are receiving financial help or if you want to automatically renew.
Sign in to your online account and click Report a Change/Renew Coverage under “I want to” begin.
NOTE: HUSKY C members need to visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services website (opens in a new window) to continue with renewal.
Check your Mailbox (or Account Inbox) for Renewal Notices
Before Open Enrollment begins, you will receive an important notice about renewing your insurance. Read all notices carefully. The letter you will receive will include the premium amount(s) you can expect to pay, how much financial help you are eligible for and if you can automatically renew your plan. You can get free help to update your account, compare plan options or enroll, if you need it.
Tips for a smooth enrollment or renewal
- Make sure you know what you need to do to complete your renewal and when. Don’t let the deadline catch you by surprise; make sure your renewal is on track and you have time to seek help if you need it.
- If you have preferred doctors, healthcare providers or prescription drugs, check that they are included in your plan. You can enter a doctor’s name or ZIP Code when you apply through Access Health. You can also include prescription drugs you want covered. When comparing health plans, you’ll be able to see which plan include your preferred doctors and prescription drugs.
- Schedule time with a Certified Broker or find a broker who can recommend a plan for you, for free. You can search for a Certified Broker in your area who speaks your language. Already have a broker? Sign into your account and click Manage My Assistance to see their contact information.
- You can also make an appointment for personalized assistance from one of our Enrollment Specialists. They can help at the time and place that works best for you.
- Start your renewal. Sign in to your online account and click Report a Change/ Renew Coverage under the “I want to” section. Select Report Income or Household Changes for 2026 and Renew for 2027. Make sure you review all sections and answer all questions. If you need to report any changes to your household information, select Report a Change and Renew. If not, select Proceed to Renewal. Compare your health and dental plan options and find the one that works best for you and your family.
Anthem Customers
You can make your first payment through Anthem’s website (opens in a new window). Future payments can be made by logging into your Anthem online account (opens in a new window) and choosing Pay My Bill. You can also pay over the phone by calling the Member Services number on the back of your ID card. Another option is to mail your payment to the address listed on your bill.
ConnectiCare Customers
You can make your payments online through ConnectiCare’s website (opens in a new window). Even if you don’t currently have an online account, you will be able to pay your bill as a guest. Payments can also be made calling 1-877-275-6688 or through the Connecticare Mobile App.
After you Enroll
Check your mailbox (or account inbox). After you enroll, you’ll get additional information from both Access Health CT and your insurance company. Your insurance company will send you a confirmation letter, your first bill and your ID card. It’s important to open and read all the mail you receive from us. Your insurance company can answer any questions about your plan benefits or billing.
You may need to confirm your eligibility. IMPORTANT: Access Health CT may ask for documents to confirm your eligibility for coverage or financial help (opens in a new window). This might be proof of your income (such as a paystub), proof of identity (like a driver’s license or passport) or immigration status (such as visa documents).
Pay your premium. You need to pay your first bill before your new insurance plan officially becomes active. After you enroll, your insurance company will send you a bill with instructions on when your first payment is due and how to pay it. If your insurance company allows it, you may also be able to pay your first bill when you enroll. Always pay your monthly bill on time to avoid coverage delays or lapses.
Get the most out of your plan
After you pay your first bill, you can start using your insurance. You’ll want to make sure you know the cost of your deductible. That’s the amount you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts paying for more of your care. There are many
If you have a Bronze or Catastrophic Plan, you can also open a Health Savings Account (HSA). This can help you manage your health costs and take advantage of some tax benefits. Learn more about the benefits of an HSA account.
Your insurance company can help you understand your benefits, find in-network providers and use your plan to stay healthy. They can also send or replace your member ID card, help you submit a claim and more.
Frequently Asked Questions: Annual Open Enrollment Period
Who can enroll through Access Health CT?
Health and Dental Plans: You must be a Connecticut resident, a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S. You cannot be incarcerated (other than pending final disposition of charges). If you are eligible or enrolled in Medicare, Veterans Affairs benefits or TRICARE, fill out an application to see which health and dental plans you are eligible for. In all cases, the best way to find out if you are eligible to enroll is to submit an application or contact us for help. Learn more about enrolling in health and dental insurance (opens in new window).
HUSKY Health (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)): You must be a U.S. citizen, a Connecticut resident and meet certain income requirements. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have had a Green Card for at least five years, be a Cuban/Haitian Entrant or be in the U.S. under a Compact of Free Associations (COFA) agreement. If you submit an application, we can help you determine if you are eligible for HUSKY Health or another program.
How do I start an application?
- Online by comparing plans or creating an account.
- By phone at 1-855-805-4325. If you are deaf or have a hard time hearing, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator.
- In person. Schedule an appointment with an Enrollment Specialist or visit our enrollment events page. Visit our get help page for additional resources.
What should I think about when I enroll?
Before you pick a health or dental plan, you’ll want to think about your health needs and your budget. Check to make sure your preferred doctors or providers are in network and your prescription drugs are covered. You’ll also want to think about how frequently you use medical or dental services.
When comparing plans look at the:
- Monthly premium: How much you have to pay each month to have insurance.
- Deductible: How much you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to pay for covered services.
- Cost sharing: How much you have to pay for services and medicines. This can be in the form of a copayment, which is a set amount you’ll pay at the time of the service, or coinsurance, which is the percentage of the total cost you’ll pay.
- Maximum out-of-pocket: This is the most you’ll pay in a year. After this amount, your insurance will pay for all covered services.
Will the cost of my plan change?
It might. Your monthly premium for a plan can change from year-to-year, but so can your household needs. Changes to your household size, your annual household income, age and home address can also affect your monthly premium. The renewal notice you get before Open Enrollment will tell you what you can expect to pay for the upcoming year. You may want to take another look at the plans we offer to see if you can save by picking a different health or dental plan.
Insurance companies that offer coverage through Access Health CT set their rates each year. Rate increases must be approved by the Connecticut Insurance Department.
For more information on specific rate increases, you should view the rate increase justification issued by your insurance carrier:
- Anthem Rate Increase Justification: Individual (PDF, opens in new window) / Small Group (PDF, opens in new window)
- ConnectiCare Individual Rate Increase Justification (PDF, opens in new window)
How is financial help calculated?
Financial help is based on a sliding scale and is determined by your household income and size.
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