Connecticut offers one of the most generous Medicaid programs in the country through HUSKY Health, covering more than one million residents as of 2025. Whether you are a parent, a childless adult, pregnant, or caring for someone with a disability, there is a good chance you or someone in your household qualifies. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, what income limits apply, and how to get approved as quickly as possible.
Not sure if you qualify for Medicaid or other programs? Use our free eligibility screener to check in minutes, or visit our Connecticut Benefits Overview for a full look at all available programs in the state.
What Is HUSKY Health?
Medicaid in Connecticut goes by the name HUSKY Health. The program is split into four categories:
- HUSKY A covers children, parents and caretaker relatives, and pregnant women
- HUSKY B covers children with household incomes too high for HUSKY A (this is Connecticut's CHIP program)
- HUSKY C covers individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled
- HUSKY D covers low-income adults ages 19 to 64 without dependent children
Connecticut was the first state in the nation to adopt the ACA's Medicaid expansion back in 2010, and it has continued to broaden eligibility since then. This means childless adults can qualify, which is not the case in every state.
Connecticut Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
Eligibility is primarily based on your household income measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, the FPL for a single person is $15,650 per year. Connecticut uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most categories, meaning there is no asset test for children, parents, pregnant women, or expansion adults.
Income Limits by Category and Household Size
| Category | Single Person (Monthly) | Family of 3 (Monthly) | % of FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children ages 0 to 18 (HUSKY A) | Up to $2,611 | Up to $4,425 | 201% |
| Children ages 0 to 18 (HUSKY B/CHIP) | Up to $3,978 | Up to $7,002 | 323% |
| Pregnant women | Up to $3,978 | Up to $7,002 | 263% |
| Parents/caretaker relatives | Up to $2,163 | Up to $3,843 | 160% |
| Childless adults 19 to 64 (HUSKY D) | Up to $2,163 | Up to $3,843 | 138% |
| Aged, blind, or disabled (HUSKY C) | Up to $1,304 | Up to $2,209 | 100% |
Note: These figures include a 5% income disregard that Connecticut applies. The numbers above reflect the effective income caps. Slight variations may apply depending on the year's FPL adjustment, so always confirm with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) or use our screener for the most current thresholds.
Asset Limits
Most HUSKY Health categories have no asset test. However, HUSKY C (aged, blind, or disabled) does have asset limits:
- Single applicant: $2,000 in countable assets
- Married couple (both applying): $3,000
Countable assets include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your primary home, one vehicle, household items, and irrevocable funeral trusts are generally not counted.
For long-term care Medicaid (nursing home or home and community-based services), there is a 60-month look-back period on asset transfers, and the community spouse resource allowance is approximately $157,920.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut: Step by Step
Applying for HUSKY Health is straightforward. You have several options depending on what works best for you.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application, get a quick sense of whether you qualify. You can:
- Use our free eligibility screener for an instant estimate
- Call the DSS helpline at 1-855-626-6632
- Visit connect.ct.gov for the official state portal
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Having the right documents ready will speed up your application. You will typically need:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- Proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or a letter from your employer)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents)
- Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
- Medical records (for disability-based applications under HUSKY C)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply through any of these methods:
Online (fastest option): Apply through Connecticut's benefits portal at connect.ct.gov. You can also apply through Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com if you want to explore both Medicaid and marketplace coverage options at the same time.
By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325 (Access Health CT) to apply over the phone with the help of an enrollment specialist.
By mail: Call 1-877-284-8759 to request a paper application be mailed to you. Complete it and send it to:
P.O. Box 2972 Hartford, CT 06104
In person: Visit your local DSS Regional Office. You can find the nearest office through the Connecticut DSS website.
Step 4: Complete Your Interview
For some categories, DSS may schedule a phone or in-person interview within about 10 days of receiving your application. Be prepared to answer questions about your household, income, and living situation. Have your documents nearby.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing times are typically:
- Up to 45 days for most applications
- Up to 90 days for disability-based applications (HUSKY C)
If approved, your benefits can be retroactive up to three months before your application date, as long as you were eligible during that time. This means if you had medical expenses in the months before you applied, those costs may be covered.
Tips for Getting Approved Faster
- Submit a complete application. Missing documents are the number one cause of delays. Double-check everything before hitting submit.
- Respond to requests quickly. If DSS asks for additional information, get it to them as soon as possible. Delayed responses can stall or even result in denial.
- Apply online. The ConneCT portal is the fastest way to get your application processed.
- Keep copies of everything. Save confirmation numbers, screenshots, and copies of any documents you submit.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, you will receive a HUSKY Health insurance card. You can start using your coverage right away to see doctors, fill prescriptions, and access other medical services. Connecticut Medicaid covers a broad range of services, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Dental care (for children; limited for adults)
- Vision care
- Lab work and diagnostic tests
- Preventive care and screenings
- Transportation to medical appointments
You will need to renew your coverage annually. DSS will send you a renewal form before your coverage period ends. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Special Situations
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women in Connecticut qualify for HUSKY A with income up to 263% of FPL, which is roughly $3,978 per month for a single person. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and continues for 12 months after the baby is born. You can also get presumptive eligibility, meaning temporary coverage can start before your full application is processed.
Children
Connecticut is particularly generous with children's coverage. Kids in families with income up to 201% of FPL qualify for HUSKY A, and those with income up to 323% of FPL can get coverage through HUSKY B (CHIP). Children receiving SNAP benefits are automatically eligible.
Seniors and People with Disabilities
If you are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, you may qualify for HUSKY C. This category has both income and asset tests. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are automatically eligible for HUSKY C.
For long-term care needs (nursing home or home-based care), income limits are higher (up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate, roughly $2,901 per month for a single person), but asset limits and look-back rules apply.
Covered Connecticut Program
If your income is above the Medicaid cutoff but still at or below 175% of the FPL, you may qualify for the Covered Connecticut program. This is not Medicaid itself but provides free coverage through private marketplace plans via Access Health CT. It is worth checking if your income puts you just above the HUSKY D limit.
What to Do If You Are Denied
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Here is what to do:
- Read the denial notice carefully. It will explain why you were denied and include instructions for appealing.
- File an appeal within 60 days of the denial date.
- Request a fair hearing through DSS. You can do this by calling 1-855-626-6632.
- Gather supporting documentation that addresses the reason for denial (for example, updated income information if your income has changed).
During the appeal process, if you were already receiving benefits and they were being terminated, you may be able to continue receiving coverage until the hearing is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Connecticut?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days. Applying online through connect.ct.gov is typically the fastest route.
Can I apply for Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace health insurance, Medicaid has no open enrollment period. You can apply any time of year, and if you qualify, coverage can start immediately.
What if my income changes after I am approved?
You are required to report income changes to DSS. If your income increases above the limit, you may transition to a marketplace plan through Access Health CT, potentially with subsidies to keep your costs low.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medicaid in Connecticut?
Connecticut allows undocumented children age 12 and younger to enroll in HUSKY A. They can remain enrolled until they turn 19. Undocumented adults are generally not eligible for full Medicaid but may qualify for emergency Medicaid services.
Does Medicaid in Connecticut cover dental and vision?
Children receive comprehensive dental and vision coverage. Adult dental coverage is more limited but does include some services. Vision coverage for adults includes eye exams.
Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes. If you qualify for both programs (known as "dual eligibility"), Medicaid can help cover costs that Medicare does not, such as copays, deductibles, and long-term care services.
Get Started Today
Applying for Medicaid in Connecticut does not have to be complicated. Start by checking your eligibility with our free screener, gather your documents, and submit your application online at connect.ct.gov. If you need help at any point, call 1-855-805-4325 to speak with an enrollment specialist.
For a complete overview of all benefits available to Connecticut residents, visit our Connecticut Benefits Overview.
