Connecticut residents can now review their health insurance options for 2027 through Access Health CT, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment began on Oct. 23 and continues through Jan. 15, 2027, according to the agency. Residents can apply for coverage, renew their insurance ,or choose a different plan.

The enrollment date determines when coverage begins. Residents must enroll by Dec. 15 for insurance starting Jan. 1, 2027. Those enrolling between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will have coverage beginning Feb. 1. Families who need January coverage should keep the earlier deadline in mind when arranging enrollment assistance.

This year’s enrollment period began earlier than the usual Nov. 1 start. Access Health CT said the extra time would help customers compare plans and get assistance before making a decision. CEO James Michel encouraged residents to review their options early and to use the free help available online, by telephone, and in person.

Families are entering an enrollment season shaped by higher insurance prices and federal policy changes. Understanding both is important because the price charged by an insurer and the amount a household pays after financial assistance can change for different reasons.

The Connecticut Insurance Department announced that regulators had approved an average premium increase of 11.3 percent for individual health insurance plans in 2027, including plans sold through Access Health CT and outside the marketplace. Insurers had requested an average increase of 16.2 percent. The department said its review reduced the requested increase, but rising health care costs continue to put pressure on families.

A premium is the monthly price for insurance. The approved average describes prices before financial assistance. It does not mean every customer’s bill will increase by 11.3 percent. According to Access Health CT, household income, family size, plan selection, and eligibility for assistance help determine what customers pay.

Federal changes can further affect that amount. Access Health CT identifies three major developments: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump in 2025; new federal marketplace rules; and the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits.

Those enhanced credits provided additional assistance with monthly insurance payments. Congress did not extend them beyond 2025, according to Access Health CT. Their expiration reduced financial assistance for many customers, while some households lost eligibility for federal premium tax credits altogether.

These developments should be understood separately from the approved insurance rate increase. A family can face a higher insurance price and receive less assistance for paying it. For households affected by both changes, the increase in their actual monthly payment may differ substantially from the statewide average rate increase.

Connecticut introduced Temporary Premium Assistance for qualifying households in 2026 to replace some or all of the expired enhanced credits. A Connecticut Insurance Department consumer notice described that support as a one-year program. Residents shopping for 2027 should ask what assistance is available for the new year rather than assume their current support will continue.

Additional restrictions will affect some immigrant families in 2027. According to Access Health CT, among noncitizens, financial assistance will be limited to eligible lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people covered by the Compact of Free Associations.

Other lawfully present immigrants may still purchase marketplace insurance but will no longer qualify for financial assistance to reduce their costs, the agency states. Families should request an updated eligibility review to understand how their circumstances affect coverage options and monthly payments.

Residents who already have marketplace insurance should read renewal notices carefully. Access Health CT advises customers to keep their income, household information, address, and telephone number accurate. Renewal notices explain expected premiums, financial assistance, and whether a plan can renew automatically.

Choosing coverage also requires looking beyond the monthly payment. The marketplace recommends checking whether preferred doctors participate in a plan and whether prescriptions are covered. Residents should compare deductibles, copayments, and other costs they could face when receiving treatment.

A deductible is the amount paid for certain covered services before insurance begins paying. A copayment is a set charge for a covered service, such as an appointment. Comparing these expenses helps families weigh monthly insurance costs against the care they expect to need.

According to Access Health CT, financial assistance remains available for eligible residents. Some households may qualify for no-cost coverage through Covered CT or HUSKY Health. An application and eligibility review can help identify the available options.

Applicants should gather income records, identification, and information about current insurance. The marketplace may request additional records, including immigration documents when needed, to confirm eligibility. After enrolling, customers should monitor their mail and their online account for requests and instructions. Those owing a premium must pay their first bill by the insurer’s deadline to activate coverage.

Free assistance is available at AccessHealthCT.com through the “Get Help” option. Residents can find an enrollment specialist or a certified broker who can recommend a plan suited to their needs and budget.

Residents can call 1-855-805-4325. Access Health CT says language assistance is available in more than 100 languages. People who are deaf or have difficulty hearing can use a relay operator or TTY at 1-855-789-2428.

Some residents can enroll throughout the year, including those qualifying for HUSKY Health, Covered CT, or a special enrollment period. Access Health CT can explain which opportunities apply to each household.

Sources: Access Health CT and the Connecticut Insurance Department.