A guide for seniors, families & caregivers — Updated 2026
Connecticut’s Medicaid program — officially called HUSKY Health — provides essential health coverage to low-income residents, including seniors aged 65 and older. If you or a loved one needs help covering medical costs, prescription drugs, long-term care, or nursing home expenses, understanding how HUSKY Health works is a critical first step. This guide walks you through eligibility rules, income limits, covered services, and exactly how to apply.
What Is HUSKY Health?
HUSKY Health is the umbrella name Connecticut uses for its Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. For seniors and adults aged 65+, the relevant programs fall under HUSKY D (for low-income adults without Medicare) and several Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that help seniors pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing. Seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are known as dual eligibles and receive coordinated benefits from both programs.
Get the Complete Medicaid Guide for Seniors →
Who Qualifies? HUSKY Health Eligibility for Seniors
To be eligible for Connecticut Medicaid as a senior, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Be a Connecticut resident
- Be age 65 or older, or blind, or have a qualifying disability
- Meet income and asset limits (see table below)
- Not be absent from the state for more than 30 consecutive days
Connecticut uses both an income test and an asset (resource) test to determine eligibility for long-term care Medicaid programs. The asset limit is separate from the income limit and applies primarily to nursing home and home-based long-term care programs.
2026 Income and Asset Limits for Connecticut Seniors
| Program | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit (Individual) |
|---|---|---|
| HUSKY D (Full Medicaid) | ~$1,732/mo (138% FPL) | No asset test |
| Medicaid for Aged, Blind & Disabled | $942/mo (SSI standard) | $1,600 |
| Nursing Home / Long-Term Care | $2,901/mo | $1,600 |
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | $1,255/mo | $9,660 |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | $1,502/mo | $9,660 |
Note: Income and asset figures are estimates based on 2025–2026 federal and state guidelines. Figures may be adjusted annually. Married couples have higher limits. Always verify current limits with DSS before applying.
What Services Does HUSKY Health Cover for Seniors?
Once enrolled, Connecticut Medicaid covers a broad range of services for eligible seniors, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Prescription drugs through the Connecticut Medicaid formulary
- Nursing home care for those who meet clinical and financial criteria
- Home and community-based services (HCBS) through waiver programs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental, vision, and hearing services (limited coverage)
- Medical transportation to and from appointments
- For dual eligibles: help paying Medicare Part B premiums and cost-sharing
Connecticut’s Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs
Seniors who want to remain at home rather than enter a nursing facility may qualify for Connecticut’s Home Care Program for Elders (HCPE) or the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver. These programs provide services such as personal care, homemaker assistance, adult day programs, and respite care. Eligibility requirements mirror those for nursing home Medicaid, but there are often waiting lists, so applying early is strongly encouraged.
How to Apply for HUSKY Health in Connecticut
- Gather
Last Updated on 14 August 2026 by ingmin