Connecticut Medicaid

Updated August 2026

HUSKY Health is Connecticut's umbrella name for both its Medicaid and CHIP programs. The Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT DSS) administers HUSKY Health. HUSKY stands for "Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth" — the original program created in 1997 before Connecticut folded adult Medicaid coverage under the same brand.

Federal HUSKY Health changes take effect October 2026 and January 2027

H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) introduced new federal Medicaid requirements for HUSKY Health. Non-citizen eligibility restrictions take effect October 1, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, most adults ages 19–64 must meet an 80-hours-per-month work or community engagement requirement, and HUSKY D renewals move from annual to every 6 months. CT DSS has posted a prescreening tool and details at portal.ct.gov/dss/all-programs/dss-benefits-and-hr1. Ensure DSS has your current contact information.

What is HUSKY Health?

Connecticut expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014. The HUSKY Health system now covers children, parents and caregivers, pregnant women, low-income adults without children (HUSKY D), and people receiving long-term services and supports (HUSKY C). Each HUSKY tier has distinct eligibility thresholds and, in some cases, different benefit structures.

CT DSS reports HUSKY Health enrollment exceeding 900,000 members — roughly one in four Connecticut residents. The program is funded through the federal-state Medicaid matching formula, with Connecticut typically receiving a federal match rate of approximately 50%.

HUSKY Health coverage tiers

HUSKY A: Traditional Medicaid for low-income children, parents, and relative caregivers with dependent children in the household. No premium. Covers medical, dental, behavioral health, and prescription benefits.

HUSKY B: Connecticut's CHIP program for children in families with income too high for HUSKY A but below the CHIP income limit. Covers children from birth through age 18. Small monthly premiums apply at higher income levels; no premium for families below a specific threshold. Upper income limit is approximately 323% FPL as of 2026.

HUSKY C: Medicaid for seniors age 65 and older and adults of any age with disabilities. Uses non-MAGI income and asset rules. Covers long-term care services including nursing facility care and home and community-based supports. HUSKY C has its own income and asset limits separate from HUSKY A and D.

HUSKY D: ACA expansion Medicaid for low-income adults ages 19 to 64 who don't qualify for other HUSKY tiers. No dependent children required. Income limit is 138% FPL. No premium, no co-pays for most services. HUSKY D enrollment began January 1, 2010 — Connecticut was an early-expansion state that did not wait for 2014.

Who qualifies for HUSKY Health?

Source: CT DSS HUSKY Health program at portal.ct.gov/HUSKY and portal.ct.gov/HUSKY/How-to-Qualify. Income limits update annually on March 1 in Connecticut — different from most states that update January 1. Verify current thresholds at portal.ct.gov/HUSKY or call DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632).

HUSKY A: children under 19 in low-income households; parents and relative caretakers with dependent children
HUSKY B: children ages 0–18 with household income up to approximately 323% FPL
HUSKY C: Connecticut residents age 65+ or adults with disabilities who meet financial criteria
HUSKY D: adults ages 19–64 with income at or below 138% FPL — the ACA expansion group
Pregnant women: coverage is available through HUSKY A at income thresholds above the standard adult limit
Foster care youth: may continue HUSKY coverage up to age 26 regardless of income
Connecticut residency required for all HUSKY tiers