ICYMI: More Than 100,000 Connecticut Residents Have Enrolled Via Access Health CT

HARTFORD, Conn. – Providing the latest evidence that our current health care system is working to expand access to affordable, high-quality coverage and care, as of last week, more than 108,690 Connecticut residents have enrolled in coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange, CT News Junkie reports. The enrollment numbers provide positive news as the January 15 open enrollment deadline approaches.

Through recent federal enhancements, the state will benefit from $85 million over the next two years to help lower monthly premiums for residents. Access Health CEO James Michel said:

“Now is the time to enroll in health insurance through Access Health CT – and thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law last year, many Connecticut residents are seeing more savings than ever before. Those who did not qualify in the past may now be eligible for significant financial help … We are here to help, and all help is free.”

Some politicians in Hartford have signaled that they intend to make yet another push to create an unaffordable new state government-controlled health insurance system—known as the “public option” or “state government option”—but Connecticut residents already have insurance options available in the exchange. Continuing to make improvements to Access Health CT to promote competition and make enrolling easier can help expand access to affordable health coverage and care. In addition, consumer advocates, policymakers and community leaders can help bring affordable health coverage to more Connecticut residents by supporting greater participation in existing programs.

As CT News Junkie previously reported, the American Rescue Plan Act boosted health subsidies, which expanded eligibility for lower-cost coverage to more residents and free coverage for tens of thousands more through Covered Connecticut. An estimated 40,000 Connecticut residents qualify for Covered Connecticut, which offers free premiums, copays and deductibles.

However, even those who may not qualify for free coverage could still benefit from substantial savings. Michel said that those who may not have qualified in the past could now be eligible because of the American Rescue Plan Act and advised residents to apply even if they’re unsure of their qualifying status.

Private plans and public programs are successfully working together to expand access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care for Connecticut residents. That’s why the vast majority of voters want to build on and improve what’s working in health care rather than start over with the state government option.