Connecticut residents have multiple paths to affordable health coverage in 2026, and understanding which one fits your situation can save you thousands of dollars a year. Whether you qualify for HUSKY Health (Connecticut's Medicaid program), the Covered Connecticut program, or subsidized marketplace plans through Access Health CT, this guide breaks down the income limits, eligibility rules, and application steps you need to know.
What Is the ACA Marketplace in Connecticut?
Connecticut operates its own state-based health insurance marketplace called Access Health CT (accesshealthct.com). Unlike states that use the federal HealthCare.gov platform, Connecticut runs its exchange independently, which means the state has more control over enrollment periods, plan offerings, and additional financial assistance programs.
Through Access Health CT, you can shop for individual and family health insurance plans, apply for federal premium tax credits (subsidies) to lower your monthly costs, and check if you qualify for HUSKY Health or the Covered Connecticut program.
Three insurance carriers offer individual and family plans through the Connecticut marketplace for 2026:
- Anthem
- ConnectiCare Benefits
- ConnectiCare Insurance Company
Connecticut ACA Income Limits for 2026
Your eligibility for different types of health coverage in Connecticut depends primarily on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2026 FPL guidelines, published by the Department of Health and Human Services, are used to determine Medicaid and CHIP eligibility. Here is how the programs break down by income level.
HUSKY Health (Medicaid): Up to 138% FPL
Connecticut expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults ages 19 to 64 with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for HUSKY Health, which provides comprehensive coverage at little to no cost. Children qualify at even higher income levels (up to approximately 196% FPL), and pregnant women may qualify at up to approximately 263% FPL.
Covered Connecticut Program: 138% to 175% FPL
If your income is above the Medicaid threshold but at or below 175% FPL, you may qualify for the Covered Connecticut program. This state-funded program provides $0 premium and $0 cost-sharing coverage through a silver-level marketplace plan. You can enroll at any time during the year without needing a qualifying life event.
ACA Marketplace Subsidies: 100% to 400% FPL
If your income falls between 100% and 400% of the FPL, you are likely eligible for federal premium tax credits that reduce your monthly health insurance premiums. If your income is at or below 250% FPL, you may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) that lower your deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums when you choose a silver plan.
2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines
The table below shows the 2026 FPL amounts and the corresponding income limits for key health coverage programs in Connecticut.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid) | 175% FPL (Covered CT) | 250% FPL (CSR) | 400% FPL (Subsidies) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $27,930 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $37,870 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $47,810 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $57,750 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $67,690 | $96,700 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $77,630 | $110,900 | $177,440 |
Note: The official Covered Connecticut income limits for 2026 published by the Connecticut Department of Social Services are: $27,387.50 (1 person), $37,012.50 (2 people), $46,637.50 (3 people), $56,262.50 (4 people), $65,887.50 (5 people), $75,512.50 (6 people), $85,137.50 (7 people), and $94,762.50 (8 people). These precise figures, published at portal.ct.gov, should be used when determining Covered Connecticut eligibility.
Connecticut's New State Subsidies for 2026
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies that had been in place since 2021 under the American Rescue Plan. Connecticut residents lost approximately $295 million in federal subsidies when those enhancements expired at the end of 2025.
To cushion the blow, Connecticut committed $70 million in state funds to create new state-level subsidies for 2026. These state subsidies work as follows:
- Income between 100% and 200% FPL: State subsidies fully offset the reduction in federal subsidies for enrollees in this income range (who are not enrolled in Covered Connecticut).
- Income between 400% and 500% FPL: State subsidies cover 50% of the reduction in federal subsidies for enrollees who lost all federal subsidies due to the expiration of the enhanced credits.
This means Connecticut residents at the lower end of the income scale will not see premium increases related to the federal subsidy changes. Those with higher incomes between 400% and 500% FPL will see some relief, though not the full amount they had under the enhanced subsidies.
Access Health CT also announced a special enrollment period starting February 1, 2026 for people eligible for the new state-funded subsidies. If you missed the January 31 open enrollment deadline, you may still be able to sign up during this special enrollment window.
Who Qualifies for ACA Coverage in Connecticut?
To purchase a marketplace plan through Access Health CT, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Live in Connecticut
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present in the United States
- Not be currently incarcerated
- Not be enrolled in Medicare
To qualify for financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions), you must also:
- Not have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage that provides minimum value
- Not be eligible for HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP)
- Not be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A
- File a joint tax return if married (with limited exceptions)
- Not be claimed as a tax dependent by someone else
Even if you do not qualify for subsidies, you can still purchase an unsubsidized marketplace plan through Access Health CT at any time during open enrollment.
How to Apply for ACA Coverage in Connecticut: Step by Step
Follow these steps to check your eligibility and enroll in a health plan through Access Health CT.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start, collect:
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Employer and income information (pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns)
- Information about any current health coverage
- Your most recent tax return
Step 2: Create an Account on Access Health CT
Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Started" to create an account. You will need to provide a valid email address, create a username and password, and set up security questions.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
Fill out the online application with your household and income details. The system will automatically check your eligibility for:
- HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP)
- Covered Connecticut program
- Federal premium tax credits
- Cost-sharing reductions
Step 4: Review Your Eligibility Results
After submitting your application, you will receive an eligibility determination. This will tell you which programs you qualify for and how much financial assistance is available.
Step 5: Compare and Select a Plan
If you are eligible for marketplace coverage, browse the available plans from Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits, and ConnectiCare Insurance Company. Plans come in four metal tiers:
- Bronze: Lower premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs
- Silver: Moderate premiums, moderate out-of-pocket costs (required for CSR and Covered Connecticut)
- Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs
- Platinum: Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs
If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions or the Covered Connecticut program, you must select a silver plan to receive those benefits.
Step 6: Enroll and Pay Your First Premium
Once you select a plan, confirm your enrollment and pay your first monthly premium by the due date shown. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month (or January 1 if you enroll during open enrollment before December 15).
Alternative Enrollment Methods
If you prefer not to apply online, you have other options:
- By phone: Call the Access Health CT Call Center at 1-855-805-4325 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428)
- In person: Meet with a certified navigator, application counselor, or insurance broker in your area
- Through a broker: Licensed agents certified with Access Health CT can help you compare plans and enroll
Enrollment Periods for 2026
Open enrollment for 2026 plans ran from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026 (extended from the usual January 15 deadline).
Special enrollment periods are available if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:
- Losing your current health coverage
- Getting married or divorced
- Having or adopting a baby
- Moving to a new area in Connecticut
- Becoming pregnant (Connecticut recognizes pregnancy as a qualifying event)
- Losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP
Year-round enrollment is available for:
- HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP) applicants
- Covered Connecticut program applicants
- Native Americans
- People eligible for the new state-funded subsidies (special enrollment period starting February 1, 2026)
Not sure which programs you might qualify for? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for ACA subsidies, Medicaid, and other assistance programs in Connecticut in just a few minutes.
Understanding the Covered Connecticut Program
The Covered Connecticut program deserves special attention because it offers some of the most generous benefits in the country. Here is what you need to know:
- Eligibility: Adults ages 19 to 64 with household income between 138% and 175% FPL who are not eligible for HUSKY Health
- Cost: $0 monthly premium and $0 cost-sharing (no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance)
- How it works: You select a silver plan through Access Health CT, accept all available federal subsidies, and the state covers the remaining premium and all cost-sharing amounts
- Enrollment: You can enroll at any time during the year without a qualifying life event
- Coverage includes: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, preventive care, dental insurance, and non-emergency medical transportation
To learn about all available benefits programs in Connecticut, visit our Connecticut Benefits Overview page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still enroll in ACA coverage for 2026 if I missed open enrollment?
If you missed the January 31, 2026 open enrollment deadline, you may still be able to enroll through a special enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event (losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving, or becoming pregnant). Connecticut also opened a special enrollment period starting February 1, 2026 for people eligible for the new state-funded subsidies. Additionally, you can apply for HUSKY Health or the Covered Connecticut program at any time during the year.
What if my income is too low for marketplace subsidies?
If your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $22,025 for an individual in 2026), you likely qualify for HUSKY Health (Connecticut's Medicaid program), which provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Connecticut expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so there is no coverage gap in the state.
What if my income is too high for subsidies?
Under the standard ACA rules (without the enhanced subsidies that expired), premium tax credits are available for incomes between 100% and 400% FPL. If your income exceeds 400% FPL (approximately $63,840 for an individual), you would not receive federal premium tax credits. However, Connecticut's new state subsidies for 2026 provide partial assistance for incomes between 400% and 500% FPL.
How do I know if I should choose HUSKY Health or an ACA marketplace plan?
When you apply through Access Health CT, the system automatically determines which program you qualify for based on your income and household information. If you qualify for HUSKY Health, you will be directed to that program. If your income is above the Medicaid threshold, you will be directed to marketplace plans with applicable subsidies.
Does Connecticut have a health insurance mandate?
No. Connecticut does not have a state-level individual mandate requiring residents to carry health insurance. The federal individual mandate penalty was reduced to $0 starting in 2019. However, having health coverage protects you from high medical bills and ensures access to preventive care.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns), immigration documentation if applicable, and information about any current health coverage. Having your most recent tax return available will help speed up the process.
Can undocumented immigrants get ACA coverage in Connecticut?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for ACA marketplace plans or federal subsidies. However, emergency Medicaid may be available for emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status. Contact your local Department of Social Services office for more information about available options.
Key Takeaways
Connecticut offers some of the strongest health coverage options in the country for 2026. Between HUSKY Health (Medicaid) for lower-income residents, the Covered Connecticut program providing free coverage for those earning up to 175% FPL, and new state-funded subsidies to offset the loss of enhanced federal credits, most Connecticut residents can find affordable health insurance.
The most important steps you can take right now:
- Check your eligibility using our free screening tool
- Visit AccessHealthCT.com to apply
- Call 1-855-805-4325 if you need help navigating your options
- Apply for HUSKY Health or Covered Connecticut at any time if you think you may qualify
Do not wait to explore your options. Health coverage protects your finances and gives you access to the care you need.
