Paul Sanchez
Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide temporary coverage for consumers who may find themselves without comprehensive coverage. While these plans are available in some states, they are not permitted in others, including Connecticut. In 2019, Connecticut enhanced its rules regarding short-term health insurance, and no insurers currently market these plans within the state. As a result, Connecticut residents seeking health insurance must explore other alternatives, such as ACA-compliant plans or other comprehensive health plans offered by insurers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Short-term medical insurance availability in Connecticut | Not available |
| Alternative insurance options | ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or other comprehensive health plans offered by insurers |
| Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace | Access Health CT |
| ACA-compliant plans | Purchased on a month-to-month basis |
| Financial assistance | Premium subsidies, Medicaid (HUSKY), Covered Connecticut |
| Eligibility for Covered Connecticut | Household income up to 175% of the poverty level and not eligible for Medicaid |
| Maximum duration of short-term health plans (from September 1, 2024) | Four months, including renewals |
| Pre-existing conditions | Excluded for short-term plans |
| Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) | Covered by short-term plans since 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
- Short-term health insurance is not available in Connecticut
- ACA-compliant plans are purchased on a month-to-month basis
- Connecticut's law only allows insurers to exclude pre-existing conditions for which the patient received medical treatment/advice during the 24 months before the policy effective date
- Connecticut residents can buy ACA-compliant health insurance through Access Health CT
- The state of Connecticut offers financial assistance to eligible Medicare enrollees through the 'Medicare Savings Programs'
Short-term health insurance is not available in Connecticut
Connecticut's general statute 38a-476 requires health insurance plans to cover pre-existing conditions, unless the plan is a short-term health insurance policy issued on a non-renewable basis for six months or less. However, short-term coverage typically excludes pre-existing conditions, so short-term plans in Connecticut are effectively limited to six months.
Connecticut residents seeking health insurance can purchase ACA-compliant health insurance through the state's marketplace, Access Health CT. Three carriers will offer coverage through the exchange in 2025, and ACA-compliant plans can be purchased on a month-to-month basis. Connecticut residents may also be eligible for Medicaid (HUSKY) coverage, which is available year-round, or the Covered Connecticut program.
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ACA-compliant plans are purchased on a month-to-month basis
Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide temporary coverage. However, Connecticut does not allow short-term health insurance. As a result, no insurers currently market these temporary health plans in the state.
Connecticut residents can buy ACA-compliant health insurance through the state's marketplace, Access Health CT. ACA-compliant plans are purchased on a month-to-month basis, so you can enrol in coverage even if you only need it for a few months. This flexibility is ideal for those who need temporary coverage. For instance, those between jobs and waiting for new employer-based coverage to begin, or young adults no longer covered under their parents' health insurance.
ACA-compliant plans must include coverage for the ten essential health benefits with no annual or lifetime coverage maximums. These include maternity, prescription drug, and mental health coverage. ACA-compliant plans are also guaranteed issue during open enrollment, meaning pre-existing conditions are not a factor in eligibility.
In Connecticut, three carriers offer coverage through the exchange, and all three will continue to do so in 2025. If you are eligible, you may qualify for financial assistance in the form of a premium subsidy. Connecticut residents may also be eligible for Medicaid (HUSKY) coverage, which is available year-round.
It is important to note that some plans may be disguised to look like they are ACA-compliant. These plans might be described with terms like "Gold" or "Silver", which are used for ACA-compliant plans to indicate the level of coverage. It is also important to be aware of your state's specific rules and regulations regarding health insurance to understand your options.
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Connecticut's law only allows insurers to exclude pre-existing conditions for which the patient received medical treatment/advice during the 24 months before the policy effective date
Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide temporary coverage and can be a viable solution for those who are between jobs, have missed the Open Enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, or are waiting for Medicare eligibility, among other scenarios.
While short-term health insurance is an option in many states, it is not available in Connecticut. In 2019, the state enhanced its rules regarding short-term health insurance, and as a result, no insurers currently market these temporary health plans within the state.
Connecticut's general statute 38a-476 requires health insurance plans to cover pre-existing conditions unless the plan is a short-term health insurance policy issued on a non-renewable basis for six months or less. Short-term coverage typically excludes pre-existing conditions, so short-term plans in Connecticut are effectively limited to six months.
Notably, Connecticut law only allows insurers to exclude pre-existing conditions for which the patient received medical treatment or advice during the 24 months before the policy's effective date. As of 2019, short-term health insurance in Connecticut was also required to cover essential health benefits (EHBs) under a new state law. This law mandates coverage for individual and small group plans and includes short-term policies.
While short-term health insurance is not an option in Connecticut, residents seeking coverage can explore other alternatives. These include ACA-compliant plans, which can be purchased on a month-to-month basis through the state's marketplace, Access Health CT. Connecticut residents may also be eligible for Medicaid (HUSKY) coverage, which is available year-round.
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Connecticut residents can buy ACA-compliant health insurance through Access Health CT
Short-term health insurance is not available in Connecticut. In 2019, the state enhanced its rules regarding short-term health insurance, and no insurers currently market these temporary health plans. As a result, Connecticut residents must seek other health insurance alternatives to cover gaps in their regular health insurance.
Access Health CT offers 22 health plans from high-quality insurance carriers, allowing residents to select a plan that best meets their health needs and financial situation. All health plans offered through Access Health CT provide coverage for ten Essential Health Benefits, including preventive services, emergency room visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
For 2025, average rate increases have been approved for insurers offering individual/family health coverage through Access Health CT, amounting to an overall average rate increase of 5.9%. However, most enrollees (87% in 2024) receive premium subsidies that cover some of their premium costs. These subsidies are designed to increase alongside the cost of the benchmark plan, ensuring that average subsidies also increase if the benchmark price rises.
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The state of Connecticut offers financial assistance to eligible Medicare enrollees through the 'Medicare Savings Programs'
Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide temporary coverage. In Connecticut, short-term health insurance is not available. The state does not permit short-term health insurance, and no insurers currently market these temporary health plans.
Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace is called Access Health CT, where residents and business owners can access quality healthcare coverage. Consumers in Connecticut can buy ACA-compliant health insurance through Access Health CT.
The state of Connecticut offers financial assistance to eligible Medicare enrollees through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). MSPs help Medicare beneficiaries with their expenses by paying for the Part B premium and, in some cases, the Part A premium. The program has three levels, and to qualify, an individual must be eligible for Medicare and meet certain income guidelines, which change annually. The three levels are:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays both Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-insurances.
- SLMB (Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Medicare Part B premiums.
- ALMB (Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary).
MSPs are administered by the State Department of Social Services (DSS). All MSP recipients are automatically enrolled in the Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program, which helps pay for Medicare prescription costs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Connecticut does not allow short-term health insurance. You will need to explore other health insurance alternatives, such as ACA-compliant plans or other available health insurance options for coverage.
You can purchase ACA-compliant health insurance through the state's marketplace, Access Health CT. Connecticut residents may also be eligible for Medicaid (HUSKY) coverage, which is available year-round.
All health plans offered through Access Health CT provide coverage for ten Essential Health Benefits. This includes preventive services, emergency room visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and mental health services.
Medicaid is available to Connecticut residents with a household income up to 138% of the poverty level. You can also apply for the Covered Connecticut program if your income is up to 175% of the poverty level.
