Connecticut Weighs Extended Health Insurance Enrollment Period Amid Uncertainty Over Federal Subsidies

Connecticut officials are contemplating another extension of the open enrollment period for 2026 Affordable Care Act plans as Congress debates the revival of expired federal health care subsidies. Access Health CT, the state’s marketplace, is currently in discussions with insurance carriers about potentially pushing the final deadline beyond January 31 for an additional month or two.

“If they do something within the next week or two—in terms of extending the subsidies—then we may have to look at extending open enrollment beyond February and March,” explained Access Health CT CEO James Michel at a recent press conference alongside Governor Ned Lamont and Interim Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman.

The pandemic-era enhanced premium subsidies, in place since 2021, expired at the end of 2025, triggering premium spikes for many Connecticut residents and Americans nationwide. The renewal of these Affordable Care Act tax credits was central to Democrats’ demands during last year’s government shutdown negotiations, but lawmakers only secured a promise of a vote rather than a guarantee of extension.

Despite the subsidy expiration, Connecticut has seen increased enrollment. As of January 2, nearly 150,000 residents had enrolled in 2026 plans—approximately 3-5% higher than the same period last year.

To mitigate the impact of the federal subsidy lapse, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut would provide relief through its $500 million emergency response fund. The state has allocated $70 million for this calendar year, with tens of millions more planned for 2027. The state initiative will maintain CoveredCT through June 2027, providing no-cost plans to low-income families who earn slightly too much to qualify for Medicaid.

“The consumers in Connecticut that are most vulnerable and in the lowest income class should be made entirely whole based on the gap that was created from the non-extension of the federal subsidies,” Commissioner Hershman stated.

Nearly $51 million will replace the federal subsidy entirely for those earning between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, the state will cover half of the current financial assistance for people earning between 400% and 500% of the FPL—a group that lost all federal assistance when the enhanced subsidies expired.

Connecticut joins only a handful of states—including Maryland, California, and New Mexico—offering subsidies to offset the loss of enhanced federal assistance.

The impact on Connecticut residents varies widely. Malaine Trecoske, a 64-year-old part-time retail worker from Branford, faces potential premium costs of $42,000 annually for herself and her 63-year-old husband without the enhanced federal subsidies. With Connecticut’s intervention covering half the subsidies for those earning between 400% and 500% of the FPL, her family’s premium costs could be reduced to about $21,000 annually—still a significant burden.

“For us, regardless, it’s a big amount,” Trecoske said at a virtual press conference hosted by U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro.

Stephanie Saujon, a self-employed professional photographer in Stratford, expects to see her family’s premiums increase by approximately $1,000 monthly. As her income exceeds the threshold for state assistance, she will not benefit from Connecticut’s relief program. “We’re trying to shuffle things around and budget to afford these premiums,” said Saujon, who has operated her business for 18 years.

Meanwhile, the fate of the expired tax credits remains uncertain in Congress. Democrats’ push for a three-year extension failed to advance in a key Senate vote last month, and House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated he wouldn’t take up such a bill.

However, through a procedural tool called a discharge petition, lawmakers have forced a vote on the House floor this week. All Democrats and four Republicans signed the petition for a three-year extension, reaching the 218 signatures needed to trigger a vote.

Bipartisan groups in the Senate are seeking a compromise that could include shorter renewal periods and modifications to eligibility requirements. One potential deal would extend the tax credits for two years with income caps, according to reports.

Representative DeLauro expressed willingness to support a shorter extension if it meant reviving the enhanced subsidies. “This pressure has got to come from public outcry,” DeLauro emphasized. “If the subsidies expire and cuts remain in place, we’re in the midst of our people in Connecticut living through a cost-of-living crisis.”

As the situation evolves, Connecticut officials continue to urge residents to enroll in health care plans and consult with brokers about available assistance options.