Eliminating health disparities in Connecticut: You can help us achieve true and sustainable health equity.
“Reducing health disparities is core to our mission at Access Health CT. We can only achieve that goal for all people in Connecticut by addressing social determinants of health, particularly those among communities of color. Join us in our mission-driven goal of health equity for all Connecticut residents, reaching across city lines, one neighborhood at a time.”
James Michel
Chief Executive Officer
Access Health CT is playing a central role in achieving this goal.
Health disparities are health differences that are closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. They adversely affect people based on a variety of factors including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and geographic location, among many others.
Our mission is to increase the number of Connecticut residents who are insured, lower their costs, promote health, and eliminate health inequalities. Since 2013, Access Health CT (AHCT) has helped more than one million individuals and small businesses get health insurance, and we’ve helped cut Connecticut’s uninsured rate in half. This is great progress, but more must be done to reduce health disparities that persist in our state.
Are health disparities really a problem in Connecticut?
The answer is a resounding “YES.” Despite our state’s high ranking in wealth and health, there are substantial disparities in the health status of — and in the healthcare delivered to — lower-income Connecticut residents, particularly among people of color.
One stark example is the disparity in life expectancy across Connecticut towns. In a neighborhood of Westport that is 91% White, the life expectancy is 89.1 years. In a neighborhood of northeast Hartford that is 94% Black and Hispanic, the life expectancy is just 68.9 years. To put this in perspective, explore the infographic that takes you on a hypothetical journey with Marcus and Tyler — two people who face vastly different circumstances and life expectancies, despite being born just miles apart.
We work with organizations that help people navigate the enrollment and renewal process, and help people better use and understand their insurance plans.
We work closely with community health centers and other community partners to help people understand the importance of having and using health insurance.
Our certified application counselors help people enroll in health insurance, and we work with certified brokers in all CT communities.
We participate in health fairs and community engagement events in communities with high levels of health disparities (Bridgeport, Danbury, East Hartford, Greenwich, Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwich, Stamford, and others).
We reach people at farmers markets, food pantries, churches, CT Foodbank and Foodshare events, Hartford Public Library events, vaccine clinic sites, community resource fairs, and more.
We’ve established great relationships with local businesses like grocery stores, barber shops,and salons that help us understand how we can help their customers and communities.
We can’t do this without our community partners — and we’d like you to be one of them.
Reducing health disparities — and, we hope, ultimately eliminating them — can’t be done by just one person or organization. While we’ve made inroads thanks to our network of partners and our strong ties to state agencies and elected officials, this is a cause of concern to everyone. We invite and encourage you to get involved.
For individuals >
As an individual, you can help by spreading the word to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors about the importance of having health insurance, of having access to care, and of taking advantage of preventive care. Follow us and share our posts on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
For organizations >
If you’re part of an organization that serves Connecticut residents or is connected to individuals or businesses that reach our under served communities, please contact us. Let’s discuss opportunities to coordinate efforts or to form a productive partnership.
For elected officials >
Your continued help is valued as you share our mission and opportunities with your constituents and organizations in your district. Need something special? Check out our Elected Officials webpage for more information.
Broker Academy >
AHCT will hire a pre-licensing training company that would certify new health insurance brokers from selected communities in Connecticut. This program is free. Download/view our Program Flyer here.
Events
September 27, 2025 - YCCI Community Health Fair
📍 Location: Scantlebury Park
📫 Address: 139 Ashmun Street New Haven
📅 Date: September 27, 2025
🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🏷️ Category: Community
Want to learn more about health disparities in Connecticut?
These resources will help you gain a greater understanding of the problem, what’s being done to correct it, and how you can help.
To learn more about health disparities, download Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health in Connecticut. Not enough time to read the full health disparities report? Download the executive summary.
To learn more about the uninsured in Connecticut, download Understanding underlying drivers, barriers and needs of the uninsured in Connecticut.
Learn how you can help
To learn more about our Health Equity efforts and how you can help, please complete the form below.
Welcome to Enrollment Appointment Scheduling
Get in-person help all year round and review your health coverage options and make changes that best fit your needs. To make this process easier, Access Health CT offers free one-on-one sessions with trained professionals who can guide you through your choices, answer your questions, and help you enroll in the right plan for you and your family.
Use this page to schedule your appointment at a time that works best for you. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time, renewing your coverage, or exploring new plan options, our team is here to provide personalized support every step of the way.
What you need to complete an application
Please bring this information for yourself and anyone in your household applying for coverage:
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
- Visa, Green Card or immigration documents
- Most recent Form W-2 and/or Form 1040 or Form 1099
- Current insurance coverage
- Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements, or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household
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