Severe Cold Weather Protocol, Access Health CT Enrollment Extended, and more

January 23, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

The Connecticut General Assembly's legislative session is set to begin the first week of February. As we prepare for the legislative session, I want to hear from you all about the issues that matter most to New Britain residents.

In this email, you can find information on the state's severe cold weather protocol in effect, learn about your last chance to apply for Access Health CT Open Enrollment, and read about a recent SNAP update from the CT Department of Social Services. Please feel free to reach out to me at anytime if I can be of assistance to you and your family at Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov.

Severe Cold Weather Protocol In Effect

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol is now in effect starting today, Friday, January 23rd, at Noon, through Wednesday, January 28th, at Noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Click HERE to learn more.

Access Health CT Open Enrollment Deadline

Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for coverage beginning on February 1st, 2026, has been extended to Saturday, January 31.

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).

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

Department of Social Services SNAP Update

Connecticut passed new legislation requiring the Department of Social Services to spread out SNAP benefit issuance dates throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. This change will help reduce congestion at retailers and improve the overall client experience. SNAP users can expect this change to begin on March 1st, 2026.