$70 Million Emergency Healthcare Funding, Access Health CT Open Enrollment, and more

December 12, 2025



 

View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you and your family are staying warm and healthy as we are heading into the winter months. In this email, you can read about the actions Connecticut took this week to cover the attacks on healthcare subsidies, learn how you can apply for Access Health CT before the application deadline, and more.  If you have any questions or if my office can be of assistance to you, please reach out to my office at any time at 860-240-8585 or email me at andre.baker@cga.ct.gov. 
 

$70 Million Emergency Healthcare Funding

We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks from the Trump administration. We stepped up to protect families and keep health care accessible and affordable.

Now that fund is being put to use. This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced this week, we are committing  $70 million to offset the cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies. This crucial investment will protect thousands of families covered through Access Health CT (AHCT) from the steep premium increases expected when federal subsidies expire at the end of the year.

Thanks to this action, anyone earning up to four times the federal poverty level will be kept completely whole. For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.
 
When Washington walks away, Connecticut Democrats step up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents. 

This is also an important reminder that the deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026, is approaching. Open enrollment is underway, making now the perfect time to explore your options and complete the enrollment process.
 
Coverage start dates:

  • Enroll on or before December 15 to begin coverage on January 1, 2026.
  • Enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026 to begin coverage on February 1, 2026.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website. 
 

Remembering Sandy Hook
 

This Sunday, we pause to remember the 26 lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012, and the survivors, families, educators, and first responders impacted by this tragedy. This day remains a solemn reminder to honor their memories through compassion, kindness, and efforts to make our communities safer. 

We stand with Newtown today, and every day, holding their strength and resilience in our hearts.  
 

Real ID Fee Beginning in February 

Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.

To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

Click here to make an appointment with the CT DMV. 
 

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Andre Baker

Facebook
Facebook

Website
Website

Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences