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Connecticut, like other states, launched an online health exchange -- Access Health CT -- where residents can shop for and purchase health insurance. There could be new opportunities for the unemployed or uninsured to receive health insurance. Here, we gather our coverage of changes under the new federal law.

Access Health CT Extends Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period

COURTESY OF ACCESS HEALTH CT

Residents still looking to get health care insurance coverage for 2020 have 30 more days to select plans through Access Health CT, the state’s Affordable Care Act exchange.

Access Health CT officials announced Monday that they’ve extended the open enrollment period to Jan. 15 -- the original deadline passed on Sunday. Officials said the extension gives people more time to review plan changes or select new plans for next year. 

“We know there are customers who are automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan every year who do not notice changes in their out-of-network costs or premiums until they use their plan or get their bills,” CEO James Michel said in a statement.

Gina Breton, brand manager at Access Health CT, said it’s also an opportunity for residents who already selected plans but did so hastily because they ran out of time, or who missed out on help from enrollment specialists.

“It will give people a chance to look and see, did they choose the right plan for them? Does it make sense for their situation? Do they understand their benefits?” Breton said. “And if not, there’s that time that they can still make changes.”

As of Dec. 13, more than 102,500 people had picked plans through Access Health CT during this year’s open enrollment, according to the nonprofit health organization. Breton said that’s on par with enrollment numbers from last year.

Individuals, families and small businesses can pick from marketplace plans offered by ConnectiCare and Anthem. Health care coverage will begin Feb. 1 for residents who select new plans or make changes to plans during the extension period.

Officials said about 50% of enrollees -- mainly people who receive federal subsidies -- will see lower monthly premium prices next year.

Access Health CT will hold additional public enrollment fairs and other services across Connecticut through the new deadline.

For more information about enrollment or support, see AccessHealthCT.com

Nicole Leonard joined Connecticut Public Radio to cover health care after several years of reporting for newspapers. In her native state of New Jersey, she covered medical and behavioral health care, as well as arts and culture, for The Press of Atlantic City. Her work on stories about domestic violence and childhood food insecurity won awards from the New Jersey Press Association.

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