Deadline for health insurance now April 17

By Cynthia Hochswender

Health insurance for the uninsured is available again, with the deadline for sign-ups at Access Health CT extended to April 17.

The special enrollment period is being offered because of concerns that COVID-19 will continue to spread.

Information is available online at www.Learn.AccessHealthCT.com but anyone intimidated or unsure about the complexities of health insurance or who is unsure how to navigate the website should contact Janet Carlson, executive director for Health Pathfinder.

“Call 860-672-0043 x111 and we can schedule an appointment,”Carlson said, “or leave a message with name, number and best time to call.

“Anyone who was enrolled at any time through Access Health CT needs to have their user name and password in order for us to assist them.”

For a list of what you need for an enrollment appointment, go to www.healthpathfinder.org.

“Medicaid can be enrolled at any time,” Carlson added.

Anyone who wants to sign up on their own should call 855-365-2428 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must call the phone number; you can not sign up online.

The effective date of coverage for all enrollments made during the Special Enrollment Period will be April 1, 2020.

Certain situations allow people to sign up at Access Health CT at times other than the Special Enrollment Period, according to the Access Health website: “Individuals who experience a Qualifying Life Event (e.g. loss of coverage due to job change or unemployment) or qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can ALWAYS enroll online, in-person or over the phone and all help is free.”

The website also specifies who can sign up for insurance through the program: “Only qualified individuals who are uninsured, lawfully present and not incarcerated.”

“Access Health CT reminds residents of the importance of maintaining their coverage throughout the year, and not just during this public health crisis. It is critical that uninsured individuals take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves financially and ensure they have access to necessary services.”