Last Call for Access Health CT, Legislative Session Set to Get Underway, and Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended

January 29, 2026

This is a final reminder for residents considering health and dental coverage through Access Health CT: enrollment closes January 31. If you or your family still need coverage, now is the time to act.

In response to ongoing extreme cold, the governor has extended Connecticut’s Severe Weather Protocol through next week to help protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

Please continue reading for more information on available resources and an update on the 2026 legislative session, which kicks off next week.

Access Health CT Deadline

Reminder: Access Health CT’s extended enrollment deadline runs through Saturday, January 31. Customers who register or renew by this date will have health and dental coverage beginning February 1.

Connecticut is stepping up by offering financial assistance despite recent federal cuts. Some customers may qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or attending an enrollment fair. Help is available in over 100 languages.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone.

February 4: Back in Session

Next week, the 2026 legislative session will officially get underway at the state Capitol. My legislative colleagues and I will begin several months of debate, deliberation, and decision-making on a wide range of key policy issues that will shape our state in the year ahead.

Watch the 2026 legislative session live on CT-N beginning Wednesday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m., with coverage of opening day. Live streams of subsequent session days and committee meetings are also available at any time.

2026 OLR Major Issues Report

The 2026 Office of Legislative Research Major Issues Report provides concise summaries of key topics anticipated to come before the General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session.

Click on the image below to access the report. 

Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended

The forecast indicates that bitterly cold weather will persist for an extended period, with temperatures remaining well below seasonal averages through the middle of next week. This prolonged cold spell is unlike anything Connecticut has experienced in many years, raising concerns about public safety and infrastructure impacts. In response to these conditions, Governor Ned Lamont has extended Connecticut’s Severe Weather Protocol through noon on Thursday, February 5.

Please be reminded that warming centers are available for those in need. These centers provide a safe, heated place to seek shelter during dangerously low temperatures. If you or someone you know could benefit, please take advantage of the resources below and help spread the word so our community can remain safe and warm throughout the harsh winter weather.

Community Events

Mayor Connor Martin invites you to the third annual State of the Town Address on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Town Council Chambers on the second floor of Town Hall (740 Main Street).

This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand about progress and vision for the year ahead, along with key updates, achievements, and future plans for our town.

In addition, the community will have an opportunity to meet the Mayor and Town of East Hartford directors. A Q&A session will follow the meeting, providing an opportunity for you ask your questions.

This is a hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual). You can join the Microsoft Teams meeting here

Meeting ID: 235 866 465 752 61

Passcode: Y2wL6Qm2