You may qualify for some type of financial help, low- or no-cost coverage.
By providing your income and household information, you will see if you qualify for financial help to pay for your health coverage. This benefit is only available through Access Health CT!
You might qualify depending on:
- Household size
- Income
- Home address
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made more financial help available through Access Health CT for residents at virtually every income level. Connecticut residents who purchase health insurance through Access Health CT will continue to receive enhanced subsidies to help pay for the cost of their monthly health insurance payments (premiums), thanks to the IRA. This financial help is now extended through plan year 2025.
Also, through Access Health CT, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements pay $0 for their health insurance coverage with the Covered Connecticut Program. This Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage, and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits.
Types of financial help and low-/no-cost programs
Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC)
APTCs lower your monthly payments (premiums). Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) can be taken in advance (APTCs) or claimed on your federal income tax return. APTCs are sent directly to your insurance company from the federal government. To qualify for APTCs, you:
- Cannot be eligible for other affordable healthcare coverage through your employer or a government program, such as Medicaid, Tricare, Medicare, or VA benefits.
- Must be a Connecticut resident and a citizen or lawful resident of the United States, and not in prison (other than pending final disposition of charges).
- Must enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) offered through Access Health CT
- If you are married, you must file a joint federal tax return (unless you are a victim of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment).
- You must not be claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s federal return.
- You must file a federal income tax return for the year that you received any APTCs and an IRS Form 8962 to make sure that you got the correct amount of APTCs during the year.
Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR)
A CSR lowers the amount you pay out-of-pocket for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments when you get medical services. If you qualify for a CSR, you must enroll in a Silver level plan to get these lower costs.
Covered Connecticut Program
Some Connecticut residents that meet certain eligibility requirements are paying $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT, thanks to the Covered Connecticut Program created by the State of Connecticut and administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can enroll at any time you become eligible, and your coverage starts the first of the month following your enrollment.
The State of Connecticut will pay the customer portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to the customer’s insurance company (Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. or ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.) and it will also pay for the cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs) that customers would normally have to pay with a health insurance plan.
The Covered Connecticut Program now provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage, and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits.
Husky Health Programs: Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
HUSKY Health Programs offer low- or no-cost healthcare coverage if your household meets the income requirements and you are:
- Currently pregnant;
- A single Connecticut resident who has no children, or who has children age 19 or older;
- A parent or caregiver of a Medicaid-eligible child; or
- A Medicaid-eligible child (under 19 years old)
For more information about Husky Health Programs, click here.
Easy steps to see if you are eligible for financial help
- Provide income and household information when you apply.
- We will help you calculate your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
- We will let you know which plan or program can give you the most financial help.
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