Access Health CT waives roughly $235,000 in interest and penalties for ConnectiCare late payment

Access Health CT’s board approved a staff recommendation to waive interest and penalty fees charged for the late payment of the first-quarter assessment by ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc., and ConnectiCare Inc.

Susan Richby, presenting the request, said the three entities paid the first installment for the 2026 assessment “2 months past the due date” after a parent-company acquisition on Feb. 1, 2025 and subsequent staff transitions caused the payment lapse. She told the board the Exchange’s assessment procedure allows the board to settle or waive amounts for good cause.

Finance staff reported the interest portion is “right around $83,000” and that interest plus penalties total approximately $235,000. Directors who spoke in favor—citing the company’s transparency, corrective actions and new internal controls—recommended granting the waiver as a one-time accommodation. “Given that responsivity by the company and their transparency in flagging this, I’m fully in support of the waiver at this point,” said one director.

The board voted by roll-call to approve the waiver under the Exchange’s operating procedures. Staff noted this was the first timing issue of this kind and said they do not anticipate it recurring.

The waiver was approved as a one-time, board-authorized settlement; staff said they have received subsequent assessments on time.