Residents Shop Health Insurance In State Marketplace

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

December 13, 2021

Area residents gathered at the Grand Alure Banquet Room to look into acquiring health insurance for themselves through the state program Access Health CT, Saturday.

“I feel really confident and I’ve done this for the last three years now and I really like it,” said visitor Ahlam Fodil. “Every year I come here and choose the plan I like and I like the coverage. I compare it to my work and it’s less expensive. I would really recommend Access Health.”

Fodil said she felt representatives at the event were good at coaching her through the process in finding insurance that was right for her family.

“They’re always helpful,” she continued. “I’ve done the application but not yet met with a broker today.”

Stations were set up throughout the location for residents to visit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Today we have an enrollment fair and people coming from all over to try and enroll in health insurance,” said Access Health CT Outreach, Community and Field Manager Karen Perez.

“Right now, it’s open enrollment and started November 1. For the first time ever, it’s ending January 15. Normally, it ends December 15 so we have an extra month to get enrolled,” said Access Health CT Social Media and Marketing Director Ayde Gallagher. “However, there’s an important distinction to make. If you enroll by December 15, you'll have coverage January 1. If you enroll anytime after December 15 until January 15, your coverage will start February 2.”

Perez said enrollment specialists were available for individuals interested in acquiring insurance coverage and those specialists would help prospective individuals fill out applications.

“The reason why they come in is because they can’t finish it at home and we like to give them guidance and personal help because sometimes the call center can get a bit busy and they’ll be waiting to get to somebody,” said Perez. “Here we have it in person and try to keep it quick and keep everybody safe. They’ll go through the application and then they’ll go to a broker if they need to pick a qualified health plan. If they have any documents they need to scan, we can scan them and they can get proof right away.”

Gallagher said it was important to note that individuals can buy health insurance through a carrier or through an employer, but for those who don’t have that option, it’s good to come to Access Health CT.

“We’re the state health insurance marketplace,” said Gallagher. “We work with Anthem and ConnectiCare and offer ways to reduce your premium because we offer financial help. Buying it directly from a carrier, you won’t have that assistance but you do through Access Health.”

A coming enrollment fair will be held at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport on the fourth floor of the 2800 Main Street Cancer Center on December 12. Another will be held January 8 at the Torrington Library and the last will be held in the Hamden Whitneyville Cultural Commons January 15. All events will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on their respective dates.

For more information and enrollment assistance, call 855-805-4325.