James Michel leads Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
Over the past year, the organization launched BusinessPlus, a program designed to support Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, which allow employers to offer health coverage options to workers.
Access Health CT also completed the fourth year of its Broker Academy, a training program aimed at expanding the number of licensed health insurance brokers in historically under-resourced communities.
Michel also cited a record 2026 open enrollment period, despite federal policy changes and the end of enhanced federal subsidies.
Looking ahead, Michel said the organization is focused on helping customers navigate recent federal changes through in-person, online and phone support, expanded navigator access and a mobile enrollment team.
Access Health CT is also planning a major website upgrade ahead of the 2028 open enrollment period to simplify the enrollment process.
If you could change one thing in the healthcare industry, what would it be?
I would look at reducing and managing the cost of healthcare for Connecticut residents.