Connecticut Medicaid for Seniors & Long-Term Care

Connecticut offers several distinct pathways for long-term care, from nursing facility coverage to state-funded home care alternatives.

The standard countable asset limit for a single HUSKY C applicant is $1,600 — one of the lowest in the country. Most states use $2,000; Connecticut's $1,600 limit dates to a historical state policy decision that has not been adjusted. For married couples, the community spouse may retain a Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) per federal spousal impoverishment rules, which is significantly more than the individual limit.

Income limits for HUSKY C nursing facility coverage are $2,982 per month for an individual as of 2026 (300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate). For applicants whose income exceeds the limit, a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) may be required.

Exempt assets include the primary home (with conditions), one vehicle, personal belongings, a prepaid funeral up to limits set by CT DSS, and certain other items. The home is exempt only if the applicant lives there or intends to return, and if home equity does not exceed $1,130,000 (2026 limit) — above that, the home becomes a countable asset unless a spouse, minor child, or disabled/blind child of any age lives there. An elder law attorney or a DSS LTSS caseworker can explain which assets count and which are excluded in your specific situation.

Connecticut applies a 60-month (5-year) look-back period to asset transfers made before a nursing facility or HCBS waiver Medicaid application. Gifts or transfers below fair market value made during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Connecticut pursues Medicaid estate recovery. The state seeks reimbursement from the estates of HUSKY C members age 55 and older for the cost of nursing facility care, HCBS waiver services, and related expenses. Recovery is deferred while a surviving spouse, minor child, or blind or disabled child is living. Connecticut has hardship exemption provisions. The CT DSS Third Party Liability unit handles estate recovery matters — contact CT DSS if you are managing the estate of a HUSKY C member.

When one spouse needs nursing home care, federal law protects the other spouse from complete impoverishment. The community spouse is entitled to keep a minimum amount of assets — the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) — and a minimum monthly income (the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance, or MMMNA). As of 2026, Connecticut's community spouse can keep half of the couple's combined countable assets, up to $162,660 (updated each January; the minimum protected amount is $50,000), and can receive an income allowance from the applicant spouse bringing their own income up to $2,643.75–$4,066.50 per month, per Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management. The community spouse's own income is not counted toward the institutionalized spouse's Medicaid eligibility.

HCBS waivers let states cover long-term care services outside nursing facilities — in a person's home, adult day program, or assisted living. Contact Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health) to ask which HCBS waiver programs are currently open for enrollment and whether there is a waiting list.