Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon has announced an expansion of the Connecticut Partnership Plan following 2026 open enrollment, with 17 new groups representing 6,362 lives joining for the plan year beginning July 1, 2026, bringing total coverage to more than 74,700 municipal employees, retirees, and their families across 207 groups statewide.

Established under Public Act 15-93 and launched in January 2016, the Partnership Plan offers non-state public employers the option to participate in the state employee health plan. Participating groups pool their claims with the state health plan to determine premium rates, giving municipalities access to contract terms and pricing available to the state as a large purchaser. Participating groups also gain access to the Health Enhancement Program (HEP), which provides lower premiums and reduced cost-sharing in exchange for members receiving preventive care and screenings; the program has demonstrated positive impacts on preventive cancer screening rates and health equity outcomes. Since Scanlon took office in 2023, 50 new groups have joined the plan.

"Healthcare costs are out of control, premium increases are through the roof, and cities and towns are having a really hard time finding quality, affordable insurance coverage for their employees," said Comptroller Scanlon. "Amid this chaos, the Partnership Plan remains the most stable, comprehensive option for municipalities. Our increased enrollment affirms this, and we are eager to welcome new and returning groups as the Partnership Plan continues to grow."

Groups joining July 1, 2026 include the Town of Avon and Avon Board of Education, Town of Cromwell, Cromwell Board of Education, Griswold Public Schools, Town of Lebanon, Lebanon Board of Education, Town of Morris, Town of Oxford, Town of Plainfield, Plainfield Board of Education, Plymouth Public Schools, Town of Putnam, Putnam Board of Education, Town of Tolland, Tolland Board of Education, Town of Winchester, and Town of Windham.