Up to $5 million in ICHRA tax credits are available statewide, with tax credits offered on a
first-come, first-served basis.
HARTFORD, Conn. (Sept. 14, 2026) – Access Health CT (AHCT) announced a new financial incentive to help Connecticut small businesses offer health insurance to their employees. Eligible businesses, with 50 or fewer employees, can receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 per employee per year when they offer an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) through AHCT using the BusinessPlus platform. The credit is available for the first two consecutive years an employer offers an ICHRA.
This incentive was proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and approved by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2026 regular legislative session.
“Through this tax credit, we can encourage more small businesses to offer health coverage to their employees, keeping more people in Connecticut insured while also offsetting their premiums,” Governor Lamont said. “This approach enables workers to choose the plan that best fits their needs, lower their costs, and create more predictability for small businesses. Creating this initiative is another way that we are working to move Connecticut forward on health care affordability in a way that is realistic, responsible, and focused on the everyday experiences of individuals and families who are trying to get coverage and stay covered.”
“Our mission is to reduce the uninsured rate in Connecticut, which also means increasing access to health insurance and financial help,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “This tax credit helps us fulfill that mission. We thank Governor Ned Lamont and the legislature for making this financial help possible.”
An ICHRA is an allowance-based health benefit that gives employers a flexible and cost-effective way to contribute toward their employees’ health insurance.
How it works:
- Employers set a monthly contribution amount per employee.
- Eligible employees can then use those funds toward an individual health insurance plan available through AHCT, Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace.
“Our collaboration with Access Health CT reflects a shared commitment to working together, leveraging our collective expertise and resources and finding solutions to achieve the best possible results for the people we serve,” said Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark D. Boughton. “We are proud of this partnership and look forward to building on our success together.”
Access Health CT is the only place business owners can access the tax credit.
“This new tax credit gives Connecticut small businesses another reason to take a closer look at the health benefits available to them through BusinessPlus,” said Access Health CT Director of SHOP and Product Development John Carbone. “Our team is here to help employers understand ICHRA, learn more about the tax credit and explore whether it could make sense for their business and employees.”
Help is available
Employers wishing to set up an ICHRA through AHCT BusinessPlus or learn more about the tax credit can visit AccessHealthCT.com/BusinessPlus.
They may also call 1-860-241-8445 for assistance.
Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
There is also a robust broker network across Connecticut. Customers can search the Certified Broker directory on AccessHealthCT.com to find one in their area.
Media Contact:
Kathleen Tallarita, Kathleen.tallarita@ct.gov, 860-757-5339
About Access Health CT
Access Health CT (AHCT) is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, where residents can shop, compare and enroll in quality health and dental plans. It is also where eligible customers can get financial help and enroll in low or no-cost insurance through HUSKY Health Programs (Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)) or the Covered CT Program. Established in 2011, AHCT’s mission is to decrease the number of uninsured residents and reduce health disparities by empowering customers to choose health plans that best fit their needs. For more information, please visit AccessHealthCT.com.
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About Access Health CT BusinessPlus
Access Health CT BusinessPlus is a health benefits platform where Connecticut business owners can enroll their employees or small groups in quality health and dental plans, manage health benefits and determine if an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is right for their business. For more information, please visit AccessHealthCT.com/BusinessPlus.