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Access Health CT Announces Applications are Open for 2024 Broker Academy Program

The free training program is diversifying the broker community in Connecticut 

HARTFORD, Conn. (March 1, 2024) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced that applications are open for the 2024 Broker Academy Program. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is March 31.

The Broker Academy is now in its third year. This free program creates a pathway to license health insurance brokers by recruiting from, and building the skillsets of, those who live and work in underserved communities in Connecticut.

The Broker Academy was created as part of AHCT’s mission-driven approach to reducing health disparities. As a result of the program, 50 students passed the state licensing exam and became insurance brokers. Forty-two are certified with AHCT. They are now working as brokers throughout the state.

Health insurance brokers help their clients shop, compare and enroll in a health insurance plan that best fits their needs. They also assist their clients in understanding their selected insurance plan and how to use it, and they answer any additional questions. 

The program is an opportunity for participants to begin a new, flexible career in a growing employment field. The demand for health insurance brokers is projected to increase by 8% through 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Applicants to the Broker Academy must be 18 years or older. They must hold a high school diploma or GED, have one to three letters of recommendation and have community service experience. The program is open to all Connecticut residents. Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas.

Accepted Broker Academy candidates will receive free training, a five-month mentorship with an experienced broker, professional development and program support. Weekly training sessions for program readiness will be held in May. In-person classes begin June 3. Classes will take place in the Hartford and Norwalk areas, two of the most underinsured areas in Connecticut.

“We are proud of the Broker Academy and the impact its graduates are having on underserved communities,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “By working as trusted resources in these areas, they are helping people get access to health care they have not had before. And breaking down these barriers will lead to healthier generations in the future.

“Our goal is to continue building on the success we’ve had for the past two years,” he continued. “Eliminating health disparities is an important part of our mission. The Broker Academy is one way we can achieve that.”

AHCT is hosting free virtual Broker Academy information sessions. The remaining sessions will take place March 5 and March 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To register for the March 5 session, click here. To register for the March 19 session, click here

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Access Health CT Announces Free Events to Help Husky Health Clients Affected by Medicaid Unwinding

These free, in-person events will take place in New Britain and Stamford

HARTFORD, Conn. (Feb. 20, 2024) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced it will host two free, in-person enrollment fairs in February and March to help HUSKY Health enrollees who have been affected by the Medicaid Unwinding process. The events will take place in New Britain and Stamford.

Medicaid Unwinding is the process of resuming the review of households for Medicaid eligibility after a three-year break during the Public Health Emergency. The eligibility redetermination process resumed April 1, 2023 and HUSKY Health clients will be notified when it is their turn to enroll. The process will end March 31. HUSKY Health is Connecticut’s Medicaid program.

Connecticut residents who remain eligible for HUSKY Health will likely be automatically reenrolled. Those who need to take action will receive mail with instructions.

Connecticut residents no longer eligible for HUSKY Health may become eligible for other no- or low-cost health coverage available through AHCT. Other options include the Covered Connecticut Program, which provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents, or a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), often available at a lower cost to residents if they qualify for subsidies.

HUSKY Health clients who need assistance with the process or have questions can get help from an enrollment specialist at these upcoming enrollment fairs:

Walk-ins are welcome.

“Access Health CT is here to help residents who are affected by Medicaid Unwinding as the process comes to a close over the next few weeks,” said Chief Executive Officer of Access Health CT, James Michel. “We encourage you to come to these events if you have questions or need help from expert enrollment specialists. We want to ensure you and your family have the health coverage you need.”

For free help online, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative in real time. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

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Record Number 0f Connecticut Residents Enroll in Health Insurance Plans Through Access Health CT for 2024

Access Health CT sees highest ever enrollment.

HARTFORD, Conn. (Jan. 18, 2024) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced that a record number of  Connecticut residents enrolled in 2024 health insurance plans through AHCT during the Open Enrollment period, which began Nov. 1, 2023 and ended Jan. 15, 2024.

A total of 129,000 people enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan for 2024, compared to 108,142 enrolled at the close of Open Enrollment last year. This is the highest enrollment since the state-based marketplace opened in 2013.

Included in that number are 27,393 residents enrolled with Covered CT benefits. The Covered CT Program provides no-cost coverage for eligible Connecticut residents. The State of Connecticut pays the consumer portion of premiums and cost-sharing.

In addition, more residents are now enrolled in dental coverage through AHCT, for a total of 14,050 residents.

There are several reasons for the increased enrollment. AHCT trained and supported new brokers  throughout the state to help residents with the application process. A targeted marketing and outreach campaign helped increase enrollment, with efforts focused on underserved communities and neighborhoods with high populations of uninsured residents. Medicaid Unwinding, which began April 1, 2023, also impacted enrollment for 2024. Medicaid Unwinding is the process of resuming the review of households for Medicaid/HUSKY Health eligibility after a three-year break during the Public Health Emergency.  Residents no longer eligible for coverage through HUSKY Health may now be eligible for financial help to enroll in a health insurance plan.

Beginning in late spring 2023, AHCT hosted an expanded number of outreach and enrollment fairs to help people affected by Medicaid Unwinding avoid gaps in coverage, as well as during Open Enrollment for all residents. Enrollment fairs are one-day events offering customers free, in-person help from enrollment specialists. AHCT also offers help year-round online, by phone and in person at their Navigator locations throughout the state.

The success of AHCT’s Broker Academy played an essential role in the unprecedented enrollment. Over the past two years, 50 new brokers were trained and licensed through the free program and now work within underserved communities across the state to help residents shop, compare and enroll in health insurance plans. These brokers also serve as trusted resources at in-person community outreach events.

“It takes the dedication and hard work of many to achieve these enrollment numbers,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “Our staff, community partners, partnership with the Department of Social Services, Broker Academy brokers and mentors, the legislative community and many others have made this a very successful Open Enrollment. I am proud to work with people who believe in our mission and understand the importance of health insurance coverage for everyone in Connecticut.”

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Access Health CT Leadership Recognized for Achievements in Reducing the Rate of the Uninsured, Reducing Health Disparities and Company Culture

HARTFORD, Conn. (Jan. 8, 2024) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced it recently received four awards, including two 2023 Stevie Awards for Great Employers a 2023 Diversity MBA’s Top 100 Under 50 Executive and Emerging Leaders Award and an eHealthcare Leadership Award.

“We are focused on our mission-driven goals of reducing the rate of the uninsured and health disparities,” said Chief Executive Officer of Access Health CT, James Michel. “Our staff, from leadership to individual contributors, are united in support of Connecticut residents. The results of our work, and these awards, demonstrate our success. And it makes AHCT a great place to work.”

In recognition of the positive impact AHCT and its staff have made, James Michel, Chief Executive Officer of AHCT, received a Silver Stevie Award for People-Focused CEO of the Year and Glenn Jurgen, Director of Human Resources of AHCT, received a Bronze Stevie Award for Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year. Tammy Hendricks, Director of Health Equity and Outreach of AHCT, was named one of Diversity MBA’s Top 100 Under 50 Executive and Emerging Leaders.

In addition, AHCT’s website won a Gold eHealthcare Leadership Award for Best Digital Leadership in Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for its dedicated section on health equity. This portion of the website can be found at AccessHealth.com/HealthEquity.

AHCT has helped more than one million individuals and small businesses get health coverage, often with significant financial assistance. In doing so, AHCT played an important role in cutting Connecticut’s uninsured rate in half, from 9.2% to 5.2%, one of the lowest rates of the uninsured in the country.

Under the leadership of Michel and Hendricks, AHCT pioneered the Broker Academy, a first-of-its-kind initiative to recruit and train individuals from underinsured communities to become licensed health insurance brokers within their communities. The entire organization was part of the cross-departmental effort needed to create the program, showcasing a company-wide commitment to the program in service of AHCT’s mission. The Broker Academy is now in its third year.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers is an international initiative to celebrate the world’s best employers and human resources professionals, teams, and achievements, who help create and drive great places to work. The Diversity MBA Top 100 Under 50 Executive and Emerging Leaders Awards recognize professionals in corporate America who are setting remarkable standards and significantly influencing their respective industries. The eHealthcare Leadership Awards exclusively recognize the very best websites and digital communications of healthcare organizations (both large and small), online health companies, pharmaceutical and medical equipment firms, agencies and suppliers, and business improvement initiatives.

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Access Health CT to Host Free Events to Help Connecticut Residents Sign Up for Health Coverage

The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT is January 15, 2024

HARTFORD, Conn. (Dec. 19, 2023) — Access Health CT (AHCT)  announced today it will host seven enrollment fairs in January to help Connecticut residents shop, compare, and enroll or renew their health coverage during the current Open Enrollment period. Enrollment fairs are one-day events offering customers free, in-person help from enrollment specialists. The events will take place in Bloomfield, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Milford and Stratford.

Open Enrollment began Nov. 1, 2023 and runs through Jan. 15, 2024. Customers who enroll between Dec. 16, 2023 and Jan. 15, 2024 will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2024.

Connecticut residents who are interested in attending the events can book an appointment online at AccessHealthCT.com/enrollment-events. Walk-in appointments are welcome.

The enrollment fairs will take place at the following locations and times:

“Open Enrollment ends in just a few weeks,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “If you haven’t enrolled in a health insurance plan for 2024, we encourage you to stop by one of our enrollment fairs where our team of experts can answer your questions and help you enroll before the January 15 deadline.”

AHCT also provides other options for free help to enroll online, in person and over the phone.

In addition to enrollment fairs, AHCT offers in-person help at enrollment locations and Navigators that host sessions during regular business hours throughout the week. A list of these locations is available at AccessHealthCT.com/Enrollment-Events.

Residents may also work with acertified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. To find an expert, visit AccessHealthCT.com/Get-Help.

For online help, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 15, 2024.

The call center will be closed on Dec. 25, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024.  

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Access Health CT

Hartford’s Chrysalis Center Wins  Access Health CT’s Commitment to Community Award

HARTFORD, Conn. (Dec. 8, 2023) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced the Hartford-based Chrysalis Center as the recipient of its annual Commitment to Community award. It was announced and shared during the annual community conference hosted Oct. 11, preparing community partners, brokers, certified application counselors (CACs) and staff for the Open Enrollment period that began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2024. Connecticut residents can shop, compare and enroll in health insurance coverage through AHCT during this period.

“This conference was a great opportunity to bring our entire Access Health CT team together to prepare for the Open Enrollment period and to thank them for all they do,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “Collaboration like this is such an important part of the work we do toward reducing the rate of the uninsured and eliminating health disparities.”

Each year, prior to the beginning of Open Enrollment, AHCT recognizes a community leader who shares similar values with AHCT and works directly with customers in hard-to-reach communities with the “Commitment to Community” award.

This year, Michel presented the award to Chrysalis Center Chief Financial Officer Wendy Briere in recognition of the organization’s work to “provide support services to assist people in need to transform their lives.” The missions of AHCT and Chrysalis Center align with the goal of improving the lives and health outcomes of those in underserved populations. Like AHCT, Chrysalis Center embraces values such as diversity, equity, inclusion and collaboration.

Conference sessions highlighted topics of interest to attendees. For example, one session was a discussion on empowering customers through health literacy, with a focus on equity and inclusion. In addition, the Department of Social Services (DSS) provided updates on the Public Health Emergency and Medicaid Unwinding.

Connecticut legislative officials also had the opportunity to connect with the people who help AHCT customers directly, including visits from State Comptroller, Sean Scanlon, and State Senator, Matt Lesser. There was also a networking session with organizations that attended the event. These organizations included Anthem, Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHCAT), Community Renewal Team (CRT), the Comptroller’s Office with Array RX, ConnectiCare, CT Nonprofit Alliance, CT Paid Leave, Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services, Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP), Health Equity Solutions, New Opportunities Inc. (NOI) and Yale University.

Commitment to Community Award recipient, Chrysalis Center Chief Financial Officer Wendy Briere (left) with Access Health CT Director of Health Equity and Outreach, Tammy Hendricks (right).
“Commitment to Community Award” recipient, Chrysalis Center Chief Financial Officer Wendy Briere (left) with Access Health CT Director of Health Equity and Outreach, Tammy Hendricks (right).
Access Health CT

Access Health CT to Host Events Offering Free In-Person Help to Sign Up for Health Coverage

Connecticut residents can work one-on-one with enrollment specialists to help them shop, compare and enroll in quality health coverage

HARTFORD, Conn. (Nov. 2, 2023) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced it will hold six enrollment fairs in November to help Connecticut residents shop, compare, and enroll or renew their health coverage during the current Open Enrollment period. Enrollment fairs are one-day events that provide customers free, in-person help from enrollment specialists. These events will take place in Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, New London, Stamford and West Haven.

Open enrollment began Nov. 1, 2023 and runs through Jan. 15, 2024. Customers must enroll on or before Dec. 15, 2023 for coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2024. Customers who enroll between Dec. 16, 2023 and Jan. 15, 2024 will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2024.

Connecticut residents who are interested in attending the events can book an appointment online. To book an appointment, visit AccessHealthCT.com/enrollment-events. Walk-in appointments are welcome.

The enrollment fairs will take place at the following locations and times:

“Enrollment fairs help customers get answers to their questions regarding health coverage,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “By holding these events across the state, we can make sure all Connecticut residents get the assistance they need.”

AHCT also provides other options for free help to enroll online, in person and over the phone.

In addition to enrollment fairs, AHCT offers in-person help at enrollment locations and Navigators that host sessions during regular business hours throughout the week. A list of these locations is available at AccessHealthCT.com/Enrollment-Events.

Residents may also work with acertified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. To find an expert, visit AccessHealthCT.com/Get-Help.

For online help, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on Dec. 15, 2023 and Jan. 15, 2024.

The call center will be closed on Nov. 23, 2023, Dec. 25, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024.  

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Access Health CT

Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period Begins November 1

Connecticut residents can shop, compare and enroll in quality health insurance plans from Nov. 1, 2023 through Jan. 15, 2024

HARTFORD, Conn. (Nov. 1, 2023) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced the Open Enrollment period will take place Nov. 1, 2023 to Jan. 15, 2024 for health insurance plans for 2024. Connecticut residents can shop, compare, and enroll or renew their health insurance plans with coverage beginning in the 2024 plan year.

Customers must enroll on or before Dec. 15, 2023 for coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2024. Customers who enroll between Dec. 16, 2023 and Jan. 15, 2024 will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2024.

AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can qualify for financial help to lower health insurance costs. Open Enrollment gives customers the opportunity to review health coverage options to ensure they are making the best choice that meets their individual needs and budgets.

“It’s important to remember that whenyou enroll affects when your coverage begins. We encourage Connecticut residents to enroll or renew before Dec. 15, so their coverage begins Jan. 1,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “Those customers who wait and enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 1 will not have coverage until Feb. 1, so it’s best to act early to make sure you and your family are covered for the full year.”

During the Open Enrollment period, AHCT will continue to assist HUSKY Health clients affected by “Medicaid Unwinding.” Medicaid Unwinding is the process of resuming the annual review of households for Medicaid eligibility after a three-year break during the Public Health Emergency. The eligibility redetermination process began again April 1 and HUSKY clients will be notified when it is their turn to enroll. This process will continue during the Open Enrollment Period.

Connecticut residents who remain eligible for HUSKY Health will likely be automatically reenrolled. Those who need to take action will receive mail with instructions.

Connecticut residents no longer eligible for HUSKY Health may become eligible for other no- or low-cost health coverage available through AHCT. Those options include the Covered Connecticut Program, which provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents, or a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), often available at a lower cost to residents if they qualify for subsidies.

Free help to enroll is available online, in person and over the phone. AHCT has several ways to get free, in-person help throughout the state, including one-day events called enrollment fairs, as well as enrollment locations and Navigators that host sessions during regular business hours during the week.

To see a schedule of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage. A list of AHCT’s enrollment locations and Navigator partner locations is also available on that page. Residents may also work with acertified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. To find an expert, visit the Get Help webpage.

For free online help, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on Dec. 15, 2023 and Jan. 15, 2024.

The call center will be closed on Nov. 23, 2023, Dec. 25, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024.   

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Access Health CT

Access Health CT Announces Free Events to Help HUSKY Health Clients Affected by Medicaid Unwinding

These free, in-person events will take place in Litchfield, New Britain, Vernon and Willimantic

HARTFORD, Conn. (Aug. 30, 2023) — Access Health CT (AHCT) can help eligible Connecticut residents enroll in HUSKY Health, the state’s Medicaid program, and Qualified Health Plans. To help residents understand the types of health coverage available to them, AHCT will host free, in-person enrollment fairs in September and October. Many HUSKY Health clients have been affected by “Medicaid Unwinding,” a term the federal government is using to describe the process of resuming reviewing households for Medicaid eligibility after a three-year break during the Public Health Emergency. The eligibility redetermination process resumed April 1 and HUSKY clients will be notified when it is their turn to enroll.

Connecticut residents that remain eligible for HUSKY Health will likely be automatically reenrolled; those that need to take action will receive mail with instructions.

Connecticut residents no longer eligible for HUSKY Health may become eligible for other no- or low-cost health coverage available through AHCT. Other options include the Covered Connecticut Program, which provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents, or a QHP, often available at a lower cost to residents if they qualify for subsidies. Those who need to choose a new health coverage option will have 120 days to enroll after the loss of Medicaid coverage but can contact AHCT or attend an event during the month their Medicaid coverage is ending to avoid a gap in coverage.

HUSKY Health clients who need assistance with the process or have questions can get help from an Enrollment Specialist at these upcoming enrollment fairs:

Walk-ins are welcome.

“If you have HUSKY coverage or don’t have health insurance, we can help. The Access Health CT enrollment process can help you see if you continue to qualify or have become eligible for HUSKY coverage or an insurance plan,” said Chief Executive Officer of Access Health CT, James Michel. “Stop by one of our events, and we’ll help you get the health coverage you need.”

For free help online, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative in real time. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Access Health CT

Access Health CT Announces July And August Enrollment Fairs To Assist HUSKY Health Customers Affected By Medicaid Unwinding

These free, in-person events will take place in Bridgeport, East Hartford, Middletown and Torrington

HARTFORD, Conn. (June 27, 2023) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced it will host four free, in-person enrollment fairs in July and August to help HUSKY Health enrollees who have been affected by recent legislation. The events will take place in Bridgeport, East Hartford, Middletown and Torrington. HUSKY Health is Connecticut’s Medicaid program.

Medicaid Unwinding is a term the federal government is using to describe the process of resuming reviewing households for Medicaid eligibility after a three-year hiatus during the Public Health Emergency. The eligibility redetermination process resumed April 1.

Connecticut residents that remain eligible for HUSKY Health will likely be automatically reenrolled; those that need to take action will receive mail with instructions.

Connecticut residents no longer eligible for HUSKY Health may become eligible for other no- or low-cost health coverage available through AHCT. Other options include the Covered Connecticut Program, which provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents, or a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), often available at a lower cost to residents if they qualify for subsidies. Those who need to choose a new health coverage option will have 120 days to enroll after the loss of Medicaid coverage but can attend an event during the month their Medicaid coverage is ending to avoid a gap in coverage.

HUSKY Health customers who need assistance with the process or have questions can get help from an Enrollment Specialist at these enrollment fairs:

Walk-ins are welcome.

“Our team is ready to help HUSKY Health customers find out whether they can reenroll in Medicaid or should shop for an insurance plan through Access Health CT,” said Chief Executive Officer of Access Health CT, James Michel. “We are here to answer questions and address any concerns to help make this process as seamless as possible for Connecticut residents and ultimately to help them enroll in quality, affordable healthcare coverage.”

For free online help, residents may visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “Live Chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative in real-time. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.