Connecticut Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Connecticut.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Processing Time
45-90 days standard; waiting lists may exist for CHCPE waiver due to enrollment caps
Connecticut Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Connecticut, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Connecticut follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$1,600
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Connecticut Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $15,056/month average (semi-private), $16,577/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Connecticut).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Connecticut
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Connecticut once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $15,056/month average (semi-private), $16,577/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) - Assisted Living Services: CHCPE provides assisted living services for eligible seniors residing in licensed assisted living facilities. Federal law prohibits using Medicaid funds for room and board costs, so the program covers only personal care services, case management, and supportive services. Residents must pay room and board from their income or other resources.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Connecticut offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
Also called the Home and Community Based Services Waiver for Elders, provides assistance to help seniors age 65+ live at home, in assisted living, or adult foster care. Services include adult day care, home delivered meals, housecleaning, minor home modifications, personal care assistance, personal emergency response systems, and assisted living services. Limited enrollment of approximately 19,000 participants.
Program Details →Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver
Serves individuals age 18-64 with physical disabilities who meet nursing facility level of care. Provides adult day health, agency-based personal care assistant, care management, assisted technology, environmental accessibility adaptations, home delivered meals, mental health counseling, and personal emergency response systems.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut
Connecticut Medicaid applications typically take 45-90 days standard; waiting lists may exist for CHCPE waiver due to enrollment caps. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Connecticut through:
- Online through Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325
- Mail to Department of Social Services office
- In-person at local DSS office
- Call HUSKY Health InfoLine at 1-800-434-7869
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Connecticut from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Connecticut-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/ALMB)
QMB pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance (no asset limit). SLMB pays Medicare Part B premiums only (no asset limit). ALMB pays Medicare Part B premiums with limited funding availability.
Learn MoreMoney Follows the Person (MFP)
Federal program that helps institutionalized persons eligible for Medicaid transition back home or into the community with transitional supports and services.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Connecticut Medicaid?
Contact Connecticut Department of Social Services for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.