Connecticut HUSKY

The Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth (HUSKY) is Connecticut’s public health insurance program for children under age 19 and low-income adults.

Depending on their income, some parents, relative caregivers, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women may also get HUSKY coverage.

HUSKY pays for doctors’ visits, preventive and hospital care, dental and vision care, and mental health services, among others.

FAQ

How does HUSKY work in CT?

There are four types of HUSKY plans, HUSKY A — D, that together provide health care coverage to more than 950,000 Connecticut residents. ¹

HUSKY A

HUSKY A covers parents and other caregivers whose income is up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), as well as pregnant women. Children under age 19 are covered at 201% of poverty.

The HUSKY income limit for pregnant women is 263% FPL. HUSKY A provides coverage during pregnancy and up to 60 days postpartum.

HUSKY A is an entitlement program, which means that Connecticut must make HUSKY coverage available to all eligible applicants.

HUSKY B

HUSKY B covers children with incomes too high for HUSKY A. HUSKY B is also called the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.

CHIP Income Eligibility

Depending on specific income level, cost-sharing may apply. In general, co-payments are $10 for office visits for when a child gets sick and $5 for generic prescriptions. [2]

HUSKY C

HUSKY C is for low income elderly residents, ages 65 or older, or who are aged 18 through 64 and who are blind, or disabled. It is also known as Medicaid for the “Aged, Blind or Disabled”.

HUSKY C has the fewest members and the lowest income limit, but it represents the largest chunk of Medicaid costs. ²

HUSKY D

Connecticut residents aged 19 through 64, who do not qualify for HUSKY A; and who are not pregnant, may qualify for HUSKY D, commonly known as Medicaid for Low-Income Adults.

As Connecticut is expanding Medicaid, the maximum income level to qualify for this part of Medicaid (HUSKY D) rose from about 56% to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Connecticut is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Access Health CT, through which you can screen for, apply for, and enroll in Medicaid or other private health insurance.

Access Health CT will have a single application that will be used to determine most Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, except for HUSKY C.

What is the income limit for HUSKY in CT?

Starting on October 1, 2024, the eligibility income guideline for Husky A for Parents and Caregivers will drop to 138% from 160% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, this lowers the income limit from $41,312 per year to $35,632.

For families whose incomes are just above the limit for Medicaid but fall below 175% of the poverty level may qualify for a zero-premium, no cost-share coverage plan under Covered Connecticut. It offers medical and dental benefits as well as non-emergency medical transportation for $0 a month!

To apply for HUSKY A, B or D:

• Online at Access Health CT, under “Get Health Coverage”
• By mail: call (877) 284-8759 to have an application mailed to you
• By phone at (855) 805-4325 (Access Health CT call center)

To apply for HUSKY C and Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities:

Those seeking HUSKY C coverage should apply through the state Department of Social Services, ConneCT, rather than through Access Health CT.

For additional information about the HUSKY program, call (877) CT HUSKY (284-8759)