With the recent signing of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, health insurance subsidies for Connecticut residents who purchase their insurance through Access Health CT are being extended.

Health insurance became more affordable for hundreds of thousands of Americans through enhanced premium tax credits created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). As historic inflation and the lingering economic impacts of COVID-19 tightened budgets, these subsidies kept coverage more affordable for about 65,000 Connecticut residents.

With these subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, about 21,000 Connecticut families would have seen their premiums increase on January 1, 2023. Thankfully they will be extended through 2025, enabling Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through Access Health CT to continue receiving premium assistance.

Residents are encouraged to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage through AccessHealthCT They can also find out if they're eligible for low- or no-cost health plans through HUSKY Health and Covered CT.

Residents can receive free enrollment assistance through the following options:

• Online by visiting AccessHealthCT.com and by using the "Live Chat" icon to connect with a representative Monday-Friday from 8AM to 3:45PM.
• In-Person with a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. Click here to locate one.
• Calling an Access Health CT customer service representative at 1-855-805-4325 Monday-Friday from 8AM to 4PM. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

In addition to making health insurance more affordable, the Inflation Reduction Act also takes steps to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare patients, makes sweeping investments in energy security and environmental justice, and closes loopholes the wealthiest Americans and corporations have used to avoid taxes.

No one should be priced out of receiving medical care, and here in Connecticut, House Democrats will continue to fight for more affordable insurance coverage and health care for all.