Medicaid is a government health insurance program that helps certain people get health care services at a lower cost. In Connecticut, Medicaid is called HUSKY Health. There are several different HUSKY Health programs serving different groups of people.  

Apply for HUSKY Health

What does HUSKY Health (Medicaid) cover?

HUSKY Health pays for routine and acute health care services. This includes:

• Visits to health care providers (including physicians and nurse practitioners)
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services
• Preventive care (e.g., vaccinations)
• Lab tests and X-rays
• Dialysis services
• Mental health services
• Substance use treatment
• Rural health clinic services
• Medical transportation
• Long-term care (e.g., nursing facility care, home health services)

Most states also cover optional services such as:

• Physical, respiratory, and occupational therapy
• Home- and community-based care
• Case management
• Prescription drugs
• Dental and vision care
• Hearing services
• Podiatry services
• Hospice care

In Connecticut, HUSKY Health is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Since the program serves those with limited income and resources, people with HUSKY Health pay few to no out-of-pocket costs. Check with your local DSS Resource Center to learn more about the coverages provided. To get coverage once you are enrolled, you must go to health care providers that take part in the Medicaid program.

How do I know if I qualify for HUSKY Health (Medicaid)?

In general, to be eligible, you must:

• Be a Connecticut resident
• Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
• Meet the income and/or asset limit for your coverage group

If you need help with your health care coverage and costs, you should apply for HUSKY Health even if you think you are over the income limit or your assets are too high. This is because:

• Not all types of income are counted toward the income limit.
• You may qualify for a different form of health care assistance. For example, if you have Medicare, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP).
• If you are over the income limit, but you have very high medical costs, you may be able to qualify for the Spend-Down Program.

What are the different HUSKY Health programs?

HUSKY C Program

HUSKY C covers people who are age 65+, blind, or living with a disability who also have limited income and resources. HUSKY C also includes Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) and Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities.

HUSKY D Program (Medicaid Expansion)

HUSKY D (Medicaid Coverage for the Lowest-Income Populations) is a Medicaid expansion program. It provides low-cost health insurance for people who cannot get coverage through regular Medicaid or private insurance. You may be able to get help from this program if you live in Connecticut, have limited income, and are between 19 and 64 years of age.

HUSKY Health (Medicaid) Spend-Down Program

If your income puts you over the limit to qualify for HUSKY C in Connecticut, you may still be able to get coverage if you have very high medical expenses. You would be required to “spend down” your income until it is below a special limit called the “medically needy” income limit. The income must be spent on medical expenses.

With the Medicaid Spend-Down Program, you can only use medical expenses that you are responsible for paying. You cannot use expenses covered by other insurance or Medicare. Examples of health care-related expenses to spend down your income on include:

• Medications
• Paid medical bills
• Unpaid medical bills (if they were outstanding 3 months prior to the date of your Medicaid application)
• Nursing home care
• Health-related home renovations, such as wheelchair ramps or chair lifts
• Transportation to medical appointments

How do Medicare and HUSKY Health (Medicaid) work together?

HUSKY Health pays for some services not covered by Medicare. If you live in Connecticut and get Medicare, you may also be able to get help from HUSKY Health. Millions of Americans have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. This is called being "dual eligible."

If you have Medicare and qualify for full HUSKY Health coverage, the state will pay your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) monthly premiums. Depending on the level of Medicaid you qualify for, the state might also pay for:

• Your share of Medicare costs, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments
• Part A (Hospital Insurance) premiums, if you have to pay a premium for that coverage

In addition, if you are dual-eligible for Medicare and HUSKY Health:

• You will automatically be signed up for the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help program through Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). This program helps people with low income pay for their medicines.
• You may be able to get your coverage through a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) instead of having original Medicare with separate Medicaid coverage. This plan can help you manage the health care services you need. SNPs may also offer more benefits than what you already get from original Medicare. In some cases, you may have no monthly premiums and/or you may pay lower co-payments. All SNP plans are different, so check with the plans to see what they cover and if you can enroll.

Note: SNPs are not available in every community. To find out if there is an SNP in your area, visit the Medicare website or call 1-800-633-4227 or 1-877-486-2048 (TTY).

How do I prepare to apply for HUSKY Health (Medicaid)?

When you apply for HUSKY Health, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify for benefits. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier: 

• A document that shows your age, such as your birth certificate or driver’s license
• Your Social Security card
• Pay stubs for anyone in your household who has earned income
• Documentation that shows any other form of income, such as letters from Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Information about your financial assets, such as bank account or investment account statements

How do I apply to Husky C Program?

There are several options available to apply for Husky C in Connecticut. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for HUSKY C is online through the ConneCT portal. All your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology. 

Apply on the ConneCT Portal

When you arrive at the website, look for the "Apply for Benefits" box and click the "Apply Now" button. This will take you directly to the benefits application form.

You can download and print a paper benefits application, complete it, and mail it to:

DSS Scanning Center
P.O. Box 1320
Manchester, CT 06045-1320

You can also mail the completed application to your local DSS office or drop it off in person.

How can I get help with my application?

• Contact your local DSS office directly or call the Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.
• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.