Record number of Connecticut residents enroll in health and dental insurance

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace announced Thursday that a record number of residents enrolled in health and dental insurance during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period.

Access Health CT issued a release noting that this is the third straight year it has seen record-breaking enrollment during the period, which most recently ran from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31.

A total of 157,246 people enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan, or QHP, during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, which is over 6,000 more than last year.

This year’s enrollment eclipsed last year’s by 4%.

Of those who chose a QHP, 51,629 Connecticut residents enrolled in the Covered CT Program, a total that is more than 10,000 greater than last year’s. 

Covered CT offers free coverage for eligible residents. The state pays the consumer portion of premiums and cost-sharing.

Furthermore, Access Health CT reports that more residents are now enrolled in dental coverage. The 19,416 total represents a 9% increase over dental enrollment during the 2025 period.

RELATED: Access Health CT audit says several laws were broken and improvement is needed

The 2026 Open Enrollment Period was unique because it incorporated changes on both the state and federal levels.

The American Rescue Plan Act previously enabled enhanced premium tax credits, but those expired on Dec. 31, 2025, as did the Inflation Reduction Act. These developments lowered the amount of financial assistance available to customers.

According to Access Health CT, the expiration of the enhanced subsidies caused Affordable Care Act Marketplace enrollment to drop by over one million people.

Connecticut saw a rise in enrollment, however.

This spike comes after Access Health CT boosted its outreach during the Open Enrollment Period, spreading awareness that customers can benefit from free, expert help online, in person and over the phone.

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It also expanded its Navigator program to feature six locations in Connecticut. Four new mobile enrollment specialists were also added to the Health Equity and Outreach team and contributed to dozens of enrollment events around the state.

Last summer, Access Health CT started encouraging customers to work with certified brokers for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period because they can explain the changes and are the only ones who can recommend plans for their customers.

Access Health CT additionally extended its Open Enrollment deadline from Jan. 15 to Jan. 30 this year to allow customers more time to choose a plan.

Connecticut officials did their part as well by lessening the impact of the expiring financial help.

Gov. Ned Lamont launched the 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance in December to lower costs for eligible residents who purchase their health insurance through Access Health CT.

Currently, Access Health CT is making a Special Enrollment Period available for customers who qualify. This period began Feb. 1.

Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel said in the release that the shattered enrollment records show that Connecticut residents are prioritizing their health and the peace of mind coverage brings.

RELATED: Access Health CT extends enrollment deadline to Jan. 31 amid state aid for lost subsidies

“Having coverage means more access to preventive care, prescriptions and protection from unexpected medical costs,” Michel said. “With monthly premium costs increasing following the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, the financial help announced by Gov. Lamont is helping ensure thousands of Connecticut residents can still access coverage for themselves and their families.”

Michel also took time to express gratitude to all those who have played a role in connecting more residents with affordable health insurance options.

“I am very thankful for our staff, community partners, brokers, certified application counselors, board of directors and local leaders who worked tirelessly to help residents understand their options and find coverage,” Michel said.

Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. 

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