Connecticut
What Is Connecticut’s Medicaid Program for Long-Term Care?
Connecticut Medicaid, known as HUSKY Health, offers healthcare services to low-income residents, including seniors aged 65 and over who require long-term care. In addition to nursing home services, the program provides care in assisted living, adult foster care, and home settings. There are three main Medicaid long-term care options available in Connecticut.
What Is Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid?
This entitlement program guarantees care in a licensed nursing home to those who meet eligibility requirements.
What Are Medicaid Waivers or Home and Community Based Services?
These are limited-enrollment programs designed to delay or avoid institutionalization by providing support in home or community settings such as adult day care or assisted living.
What Is Regular Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled?
This entitlement program offers limited long-term care services such as personal care and adult day services to eligible individuals.
What Are the Financial Eligibility Rules for Connecticut Medicaid?
Income and asset limits vary depending on the specific Medicaid program, marital status, and annual updates.
What Are the 2025 Financial Limits for a Single Nursing Home Applicant?
- Income must be below the cost of nursing home care
- Assets must be $1,600 or less
- Applicant must require a nursing home level of care
What Are the 2025 Eligibility Limits by Household Type?
| Medicaid Program | Income Limit | Asset Limit | Level of Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional / Nursing Home | Less than cost of care | $1,600 | Nursing Home |
| Waivers / HCBS | $2,901/month | $1,600 | Nursing Home |
| Regular Medicaid / ABD | $1,370/month | $1,600 | Help with ADLs |
How Does Connecticut Medicaid Count Income?
Most income types—such as wages, pensions, and Social Security—are counted. Exceptions include Holocaust restitution payments and VA Aid & Attendance benefits.
How Is Income Treated for Married Couples?
If only one spouse applies for Nursing Home Medicaid or a waiver, the other spouse’s income is not counted.
What Is the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA)?
In 2025, a non-applicant spouse can retain up to $2,643.75/month. This may increase based on housing costs, but the maximum allowed is $3,948/month.
How Is Income Counted for Regular Medicaid?
For Regular Medicaid, income from both spouses is counted. There is no spousal income allowance available.
What Assets Count Toward Medicaid Eligibility?
Countable assets include cash, investments, and non-resident property. Exempt assets include one’s primary home (under certain conditions), a car, personal items, and prepaid funeral expenses up to $10,000.
How Are Assets Treated for Married Couples?
All assets are considered jointly owned. In 2025, the non-applicant spouse may retain up to $157,920, or up to $50,000 if their share is less than that.
What Is Connecticut’s Medicaid Look-Back Rule?
Connecticut enforces a 60-month look-back period to review asset transfers. Gifts or below-market sales may result in a penalty period of ineligibility. The federal gift tax limit does not override Medicaid’s rules.
When Is a Home Considered Exempt for Medicaid?
The home is exempt if the applicant or their spouse lives in it, or if the applicant intends to return. For single applicants, home equity must be under $1,097,000 in 2025. The home is not protected from estate recovery after the recipient’s death.
What Are the Medical Criteria for Medicaid Eligibility?
A nursing home level of care is required for Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers. For Regular Medicaid, needing help with activities of daily living (ADLs) may suffice.
How Can Someone Qualify If Over the Income or Asset Limits?
What Is the Medically Needy Spend-Down Pathway?
Applicants can qualify by spending their income on medical expenses. In 2025, the monthly income limits are $835 for individuals and $1,128 for couples.
What Is a Pooled Income Trust?
Disabled individuals can deposit excess income into this trust to meet eligibility. Funds are used to pay bills and are not counted as income. Remaining funds go to the state upon death.
What Is an Asset Spend-Down?
Applicants may spend excess assets on exempt items like home modifications or funeral plans. Assets cannot be gifted within the 5-year look-back period.
What Is Medicaid Planning?
For those who exceed the limits but still need care, Medicaid planning professionals can help protect assets and ensure eligibility.
What Medicaid Programs Are Available in Connecticut?
Community First Choice (CFC) Program
This state plan offers services that help individuals remain in their homes, including assistance with daily activities, home modifications, and meal delivery.
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
This waiver program offers support for seniors in home, assisted living, or foster care environments. Services include personal care, chore help, meals, and Adult Family Living arrangements.
Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program
This federal program helps Medicaid beneficiaries transition from institutions back into home or community settings.
How Can You Apply for Connecticut Medicaid?
Applications can be submitted online at ConneCT, in person at a DSS office, or by phone at 1-855-626-6632. Local Area Agencies on Aging can also assist with the application process.
Before applying, it is crucial to confirm all eligibility requirements. Those unsure or over the limits should consider consulting a Medicaid planner.
