Self-Employed Health Insurance Estimator for Connecticut (Access Health CT)

Health insurance for the self-employed in Connecticut

When you leave an employer plan to work for yourself, Connecticut's marketplace, Access Health CT, is where most people buy coverage. Depending on income, you may get a premium tax credit, qualify for HUSKY Health (Connecticut's Medicaid) or Covered Connecticut, or pay full price.

How the premium tax credit works

The credit is based on the benchmark plan, which is the second-lowest-cost silver plan for your household in your county. Based on your income as a percentage of the federal poverty line, the law sets how much of your income you're expected to pay for that plan. For 2027 coverage that runs from 2.15% of income at the low end to 10.22% for households between 300% and 400% of the poverty line. The credit pays the difference, and you can use it on any metal level.

The 400% cliff is back

The enhanced credits that removed the upper income limit expired at the end of 2025, and Congress hasn't restored them as of October 2026. For 2026 and 2027 coverage, households above 400% of the poverty line get no credit at all. For 2027 coverage that line is $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four. For self-employed people near the line, a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k) contribution can lower your income below it and save thousands.

Lower-income options

• HUSKY Health: adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the poverty line generally qualify for Medicaid coverage with no premium.
• Covered Connecticut: adults 19 to 64 up to 175% of the poverty line who don't qualify for HUSKY may get no-cost coverage when they enroll in a silver plan with full financial help.
• Children: HUSKY covers children in households up to 323% of the poverty line.

Estimating income when you're self-employed

The marketplace uses projected modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). For most self-employed people, that's net profit minus half of self-employment tax and other adjustments, plus other income. Update Access Health CT during the year if your income changes. Any credit you take in advance is reconciled on your tax return, so a big underestimate can mean paying some back.

The self-employed health insurance deduction

If you have net self-employment profit, you can usually deduct the premiums you actually pay for yourself, your spouse and dependents as an adjustment to income on IRS Form 7206. You can't deduct the portion paid by the tax credit, and you can't deduct more than your business profit. You also can't claim it for months when you could have joined a subsidized employer plan, including a spouse's plan.

Timing

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage began October 23, 2026. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based coverage, to sign up. HUSKY and Covered Connecticut accept applications all year.