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Connecticut Health Insurance Guide
From coastal charm to vibrant small towns, Connecticut remains a desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Connecticut reflects continued improvement thanks to expanded access and state-level innovations. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Connecticut.
Health Insurance Options in Connecticut
Connecticut offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Many Connecticut residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most convenient option and often comes with added employer support.
ACA Marketplace Plans (Access Health CT)
Individuals and families without job-based coverage can shop for health plans through Access Health CT, Connecticut’s official ACA marketplace. These plans cover essential health benefits and cannot deny coverage based on preexisting conditions. Subsidies may be available to reduce premium costs based on your income and household size, even if you are unemployed. You can check your eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.
Marketplace Plans:
- Bronze: Lower premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; good for minimal medical use.
- Silver: Moderate premiums and cost-sharing; eligible for cost-sharing reductions.
- Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs; suitable for frequent care needs.
- Platinum: Highest premiums with the lowest costs when receiving care.
Metal Tier Breakdown:
| Metal Tier | Insurance Company Pays | Consumer Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
Medicaid
Connecticut’s Medicaid program is called HUSKY Health. It provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible residents, including children, pregnant individuals, parents, older adults, childless adults, and those with disabilities.
Covered services typically include:
- Hospital and emergency services
- Mental health care
- Preventive and primary care
- Prescription drugs
- Lab tests and medical equipment
Eligibility is based on household income, family size, and other factors like age and disability status.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Known as HUSKY B in Connecticut, CHIP offers health coverage to uninsured children and teens under 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Services often include:
- Doctor visits
- Dental care
- Vision and hearing
- Behavioral health
Medicare
Medicare is available to adults 65+ and individuals with qualifying disabilities. In Connecticut, residents can choose from several Medicare options:
- Original Medicare: Includes Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Combines Parts A and B with extra benefits, often including drug coverage and wellness programs
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Optional plans that help cover medication costs
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Private insurance that helps pay for costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copays and deductibles
COBRA Coverage
If you’ve lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to temporarily keep your employer’s health plan. While the cost can be high, it provides continuity while you explore new coverage options.
Short-Term Plans
Connecticut restricts the sale of short-term health insurance. Since 2018, short-term plans in the state must cover essential health benefits, and policies longer than six months must follow ACA guidelines. These regulations significantly limit the availability and appeal of short-term options.
Enrollment Periods in Connecticut
Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage:
November 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
This is when most residents can apply for, renew, or change health plans through Access Health CT.
Special Enrollment Period:
Outside the Open Enrollment window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, such as:
- Loss of coverage
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Relocation
- Major change in income
You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.
Health Insurance Providers in Connecticut
As of 2025, the following insurers offer individual and family plans through Access Health CT:
Plan availability may differ based on your zip code or county.
Understanding Health Insurance Costs
When selecting a plan, it’s important to understand common insurance terms:
- Premium: Monthly cost to keep your plan active
- Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance kicks in
- Copayment (Copay): Fixed cost for services like office visits
- Coinsurance: Your share of the cost after meeting your deductible
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Choosing in-network providers helps keep costs lower
Bottom Line
Health insurance in Connecticut comes with many choices—whether from your employer, the ACA marketplace, or public programs like HUSKY Health and Medicare. By understanding your eligibility, coverage options, and enrollment timelines, you can secure dependable insurance that supports your health and financial well-being.
Need help choosing a plan? Use Access Health CT’s comparison tools or connect with a licensed agent for personalized guidance.
