AHCT Extends Enrollment Deadline & GPCT Opens Energy & Water Assistance Programs

January 6, 2026


 

 


Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31. The original deadline was January 15. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.

Recent state and federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible have changed. However, financial assistance is still available.

Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.

Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The state subsidies will fully fund the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for consumers with incomes between 100-200% of the federal poverty level, and who are not enrolled in the Covered CT program.

The state subsidies will also replace 50% of the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for those with income over 400% of the federal poverty level and up to 500% of the federal poverty level.

AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial assistance to pay for their health insurance.
 

Generation Power CT Energy Assistance Program Open Until January 10th

Generation Power CT, formerly known as Operation Fuel, has opened its Energy Assistance Program, which runs through January 10. This is the third program cycle. Eligible Connecticut households can receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.

Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.

All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:

  • March 2nd-10th

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, click HERE. 
 

Generation Power CT
Water Assistance Program

Generation Power CT also has a water assistance program, which is open year-round, or until funds are exhausted. This includes customers of Aquarion, CT Water Company, and the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC).

Aquarion offers two programs:
 

Aquarion Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

Aquarion customers may apply through Generation Power CT for up to $50 PREVENTION assistance (households who have a current balance) or up to $250 INTERVENTION (households who have a past-due balance) in bill payment assistance. To qualify, clients:

  • Earn up to 75% State Median Income (SMI)
  • Demonstrate making at least four payments in the prior 12 months  

Aquarion Low-Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP)
Aquarion offers the LIRAP program, which provides a 12-month discount to eligible customers in Connecticut. This program does not auto-renew; customers must reapply annually. To qualify, clients: 

  • Earn up to 60% State Median Income (SMI)
  • Households do not need a past-due bill to qualify. Eligible households will receive a 15% discount on the monthly water bill for 12 months. 

 All water assistance programs require proof of income eligibility. GPCT assistance grants are not an entitlement to all Connecticut residents who fall within income guidelines.

All applications must include the following documents.

Proof of Income: Documentation for adult household members for 4 weeks before the application date.

  • If currently employed, provide pay stubs with name and date for 4 weeks.
  • If not currently employed and receiving assistance (SSI, SDI), provide an award letter with name and date.
  • Adults without income documentation for the past 4 weeks may attest that by downloading the corresponding GPCT form and including it with their online application: self-employment form, zero income form, friends and family form (all can be found HERE).

Click HERE for more information, forms, application information, and more.