Connecticut Health Insurance: Plans, Costs & Enrollment Guide for 2026
Connecticut residents shopping for health insurance in 2026 have two carriers to choose from: Anthem and ConnectiCare, both available through the state’s own marketplace. Most residents qualify for financial help that brings monthly costs down significantly, and the state committed $70 million in additional premium assistance for 2026, meaning some households pay $0 for coverage. This guide covers plan options, what they cost at different ages, financial assistance programs, and how to enroll.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Connecticut?
Connecticut health insurance costs an average of $859 per month for a 40-year-old on a Silver plan before subsidies, according to 2026 Open Enrollment data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). After subsidies, eligible enrollees pay an average of $310 per month. Premiums range from approximately $245 per month for a young adult Bronze plan to over $2,300 for older adults selecting Gold-tier coverage, with plan type, age, and county all affecting the final price.
For 2026, the Connecticut Insurance Department approved an average rate increase of 16.8% for individual plans and 11% for small group plans. Insurers initially requested an average of 17.8% for individuals, but regulators reduced the approved amount. These increases reflect rising prescription drug costs, higher healthcare utilization, and the projected impact of the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits at the end of 2025.
| Plan Tier | Avg. Monthly Premium (Age 40) | Typical Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze HMO | $602/month | $7,000–$8,000 | $9,100–$9,200 |
| Silver PPO | $729/month | $4,500–$5,000 | $8,700–$9,100 |
| Gold HMO | $774/month | $1,500–$2,000 | $7,500–$8,500 |
| Gold PPO | $988/month | $1,500–$2,500 | $7,500–$8,700 |
Young Adults (Age 26)
~$584/moAverage $584/month before subsidies. Catastrophic plans are available for those under 30 at lower premiums with higher deductibles.
Adults (Age 40)
~$729/moAverage $729/month for Silver coverage. HMO options start around $602 at the Bronze tier for a 40-year-old.
Older Adults (Age 60)
~$1,548/moAverage $1,548/month before subsidies. Premium tax credits rise proportionally with age, keeping costs manageable for many enrollees.
After Subsidies
~$310/moApproximately 90% of Connecticut marketplace enrollees receive financial help, paying an average of $310/month for a benchmark Silver plan after credits.
Connecticut Health Insurance Plans and Coverage Options
Connecticut health insurance plans are available in four metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic. Each tier offers a different balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. All marketplace plans cover the 10 Essential Health Benefits under the Affordable Care Act, including emergency care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventive care at no additional cost.
Bronze Plans
~60%Lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Cover approximately 60% of costs. Best for healthy individuals who rarely need medical care and want protection against major unexpected events.
Silver Plans
~70%Moderate premiums and deductibles. Cover approximately 70% of costs. The only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) that lower deductibles and copays for qualifying incomes.
Gold Plans
~80%Higher premiums, lowest deductibles. Cover approximately 80% of costs. Best for individuals or families with ongoing medical needs and frequent healthcare visits.
Catastrophic Plans
<30Available to adults under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. Very low premiums with high deductibles. Cover three primary care visits per year before the deductible applies.
Plan networks include HMO, PPO, and POS structures. HMO plans require specialist referrals but carry lower premiums. PPO plans allow direct specialist visits and out-of-network coverage at a higher monthly cost. Residents between plans may consider short-term health insurance as a bridge option. Pediatric dental and vision coverage is included in most plans for dependents under 26.
Connecticut Health Insurance Companies and Carriers
Connecticut’s individual marketplace features two carriers operating under three entities: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and ConnectiCare (through ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. and ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.). Plans span Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers in HMO, PPO, and POS networks. Neither carrier can deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem Health Plans • Elevance Health
Offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. Lowest average premiums in the state at approximately $850/month for a 40-year-old. Maintains the largest provider network in Connecticut with both in-state and national coverage options.
ConnectiCare
ConnectiCare Benefits & ConnectiCare Insurance • Molina Healthcare
Offers HMO and POS plans through two subsidiaries. Average premiums range from $885 to $1,096/month. Strongest in POS plan options and provides integrated dental and vision benefits on select plans. Operates a broad Connecticut-focused provider network.
Connecticut does not currently have Platinum-tier plans available on the individual marketplace. A detailed breakdown of each Connecticut health insurance company, including plan ratings and network comparisons, is available for residents choosing between Anthem and ConnectiCare.
How to Enroll in Connecticut Health Insurance
Connecticut marketplace enrollment for 2026 ran from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026. According to CMS marketplace enrollment data, a record 157,246 Connecticut residents selected qualified health plans for 2026, a 4% increase over the prior year. Outside of open enrollment, a Special Enrollment Period covers qualifying life events such as losing coverage, getting married, or moving to Connecticut. See the full Connecticut marketplace enrollment guide for deadlines and next steps.
Gather Information
Step 1Collect Social Security numbers, immigration documents (if applicable), employer and income information, and current policy numbers for everyone who needs coverage.
Compare Plans Side by Side
Step 2Review options from Anthem and ConnectiCare across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers. Compare premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage to find the best fit.
Check Financial Assistance
Step 3Determine eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, the Covered Connecticut program, or HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP) based on household income and family size.
Enroll in Coverage
Step 4Select a plan that fits the household budget and healthcare needs. Residents who qualify for subsidies can compare plans with real pricing through the Connecticut marketplace enrollment guide.
Compare Connecticut Health Insurance Plans
See plans from Anthem and ConnectiCare side by side, with real premium estimates based on your zip code, household size, and income so you can compare costs after state and federal subsidies.
Compare All Carriers Call 888-215-4045Financial Help for Connecticut Health Insurance
Multiple programs help make Connecticut health insurance more affordable. Approximately 90% of marketplace enrollees receive some form of financial assistance, and the state committed $70 million in supplemental premium assistance for 2026 after enhanced federal subsidies expired on December 31, 2025.
Premium Tax Credits
Federal premium tax credits are available to individuals earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) who purchase marketplace coverage. For 2026, that income range is approximately $15,650 to $62,600 for an individual, or $32,150 to $128,600 for a family of four. These credits reduce monthly premiums and can be applied in advance or claimed at tax time.
Connecticut 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance
Governor Ned Lamont announced $70 million in state-funded subsidies in December 2025 to offset the approximately $295 million reduction in federal subsidies caused by the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. The state program fully covers the subsidy reduction for enrollees between 100% and 200% of FPL, and covers 50% of the reduction for enrollees between 400% and 500% of FPL.
Covered Connecticut Program
The Covered Connecticut program provides $0-premium, $0-cost-sharing coverage for eligible residents with household incomes up to 175% of FPL. Enrollees select a Silver plan and receive both federal subsidies and state cost-sharing assistance. For 2026, a record 51,629 residents enrolled, up over 10,000 from the prior year. More options are covered in the affordable health insurance in Connecticut guide.
Choosing the Right Connecticut Health Insurance Plan
The right Connecticut health insurance plan depends on healthcare usage, budget, and provider network. Residents who rarely see a doctor will typically save with a Bronze plan. Those managing ongoing conditions usually save overall with Gold’s lower out-of-pocket costs. Silver paired with cost-sharing reductions delivers the best value for households earning below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Healthy and Rarely Use Care
BronzeBronze HMO plans offer the lowest premiums starting around $602/month for a 40-year-old. Accept higher deductibles in exchange for lower monthly costs.
Moderate or Uncertain Needs
SilverSilver plans balance premiums and deductibles. The only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, a significant benefit for incomes between 100% and 250% of FPL.
Frequent Care or Ongoing Conditions
GoldGold plans carry higher premiums but deductibles as low as $1,500. Often the most cost-effective choice for residents with predictable, regular healthcare expenses.
Self-Employed or Freelance
Any TierSelf-employed Connecticut residents qualify for the same marketplace plans and subsidies as any individual. Business health expenses may also be tax-deductible, reducing adjusted gross income.
Before choosing, verify that current doctors and preferred hospitals participate in the plan’s network. Anthem operates the largest network in Connecticut while ConnectiCare focuses on in-state providers. Prescription drug formularies also vary between carriers, so checking that current medications are covered at a reasonable tier can prevent unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Health Insurance
Common questions for 2026 covering open enrollment deadlines, the state’s $0-premium Covered Connecticut program, how the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies affects monthly costs, and which carriers offer individual and family plans.
Does Connecticut require residents to have health insurance?
Connecticut does not impose a state-level individual mandate or tax penalty for being uninsured. The federal individual mandate penalty was reduced to $0 beginning in 2019. However, going without coverage means full financial responsibility for all medical expenses, which can be substantial. A single emergency room visit in Connecticut averages over $2,000.
When is open enrollment for Connecticut health insurance?
The standard open enrollment period runs from November 1 through mid-January each year. For 2026, the deadline was extended to January 31. Outside of open enrollment, Connecticut residents can enroll through a Special Enrollment Period if they experience a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, marriage, birth of a child, or a change in residence.
What is the Covered Connecticut program?
Covered Connecticut provides $0-premium and $0-cost-sharing health coverage for eligible residents with household incomes up to 175% of the federal poverty level. Enrollees must select a Silver marketplace plan and accept all available federal subsidies. The state then covers the remaining premium and all cost-sharing amounts. For 2026, over 51,000 residents are enrolled in the program.
How do the 2026 subsidy changes affect Connecticut residents?
Enhanced federal premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act expired on December 31, 2025, resulting in approximately $295 million less in federal subsidies for Connecticut residents. The state responded with $70 million in Temporary Premium Assistance for 2026. Residents with incomes between 100% and 200% of FPL are fully protected from subsidy losses, while those between 400% and 500% of FPL receive partial assistance.
Can self-employed Connecticut residents get marketplace subsidies?
Yes. Self-employed individuals qualify for the same premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions as any Connecticut resident, based on projected household income for the coverage year. Subsidy eligibility is determined during the marketplace application process. Self-employed residents may also deduct health insurance premiums as a business expense on their federal tax returns.
What carriers offer individual health insurance in Connecticut?
For the 2026 plan year, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and ConnectiCare (operating through ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. and ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.) are the carriers offering individual and family plans on the Connecticut marketplace. Qualified health plans are available across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers in HMO, PPO, and POS network types.
Helpful Resources for Connecticut Residents
Explore related guides for Connecticut marketplace enrollment steps, strategies for finding affordable coverage, carrier comparisons, short-term plan details, PPO plan options, and other resources to help navigate health insurance decisions in the Constitution State.
How to enroll, deadlines, and qualifying life events.
Companies & CarriersAnthem, ConnectiCare, and carrier comparisons for Connecticut plans.
Affordable CoverageLow-cost plans, subsidies, and the Covered Connecticut program.
Short-Term PlansTemporary coverage options and costs between major plans.
PPO vs. HMO vs. EPO vs. POSCompare plan types and find the right network for you.
PPO PlansFlexibility for specialists and out-of-network care nationwide.
Find the Right Connecticut Health Insurance Plan
With plans across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers from Anthem and ConnectiCare, and new state subsidies that could bring your premium to $0, the right coverage depends on your zip code, income, and household size. See every option side by side in minutes.
Compare All Carriers Call 888-215-4045Broker Disclosure
ForHealthInsurance.com is an independent health insurance agency serving Connecticut residents. We are not affiliated with any carrier or government agency. We help you compare plans and enroll in coverage that meets your needs at no extra cost to you.