Connecticut's Safety Net For The Poor

In Connecticut, the problem of uninsured residents is growing. While Medicare provides coverage for nearly all elderly citizens, many non-elderly Americans obtain private insurance through an employer or purchase it themselves. Connecticut's Medicaid programs, HUSKY A, HUSKY C and HUSKY D, provide coverage for children and their caretaker relatives, pregnant women, and single adults whose income is below 56% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the state offers a Children's Health Insurance Program called HUSKY B for children with low family incomes. Connecticut is among the states that provide state-funded subsidies, known as the Covered Connecticut program, for adults with household incomes up to 175% of the poverty level.

Connecticut's Medicaid program

Medicaid is a federal program that is operated by the states, with each state deciding who is eligible and the scope of health services offered. It provides health coverage for some low-income people who cannot afford it.

Connecticut runs its own state-based exchange called Access Health CT. Individual and family plans on the ACA Marketplace are for people who don’t have access to Medicaid, Medicare, or employer-sponsored health insurance.

Connecticut's Children's Health Insurance Program

Connecticut's Medicaid program is called HUSKY A, C, and D. Children and their caretaker relatives whose family income is less than 185% of the poverty level are eligible for HUSKY A. HUSKY C is for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. Single adults whose income is below 56% of the federal poverty level may qualify for HUSKY D.

Connecticut runs its own state-based exchange called Access Health CT. Individual and family plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace are for people who don't have access to Medicaid, Medicare, or employer-sponsored health insurance. This includes self-employed people, early retirees needing coverage until Medicare, and workers at small businesses without health benefits.

In Connecticut, state-funded subsidies are available in addition to federal subsidies. This is known as the Covered Connecticut program, and it's available to adults with household incomes up to 175% of the poverty level.

Who is eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the Medicaid program is called HUSKY Health. It is a government program that provides health coverage to low-income residents who meet certain requirements. It is a cooperative effort between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a federal agency, and the Connecticut Department of Social Services, a state agency.

There are several basic eligibility requirements for HUSKY Health. Firstly, it is only available to residents of Connecticut. Secondly, applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, legal aliens, permanent residents, or lawfully admitted immigrants.

Eligibility for HUSKY Health is determined by either income alone (MAGI) or a combination of income and assets (non-MAGI). For children, pregnant women, parents of minor children, and childless adults up to age 64, eligibility is based on income alone, with income limits that vary for each group. For the aged, blind, and disabled, eligibility rules are stricter, with both income limits and asset limits.

HUSKY Health is divided into several categories:

• HUSKY A covers low-income children, parents, and other caregivers, and pregnant women.
• HUSKY B covers children with incomes too high for HUSKY A. It is also called the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
• HUSKY C covers individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and who qualify based on income and asset levels. It includes coverage for long-term services and supports.
• MED-Connect is Medicaid for employees with disabilities.
• HUSKY D covers low-income adults who don't have children.

To qualify for HUSKY A, B, or D, applicants can apply online at accesshealthct.com, by mail, or by phone. For HUSKY C and Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities, applicants can apply online at connect.ct.gov, by mail, or in person at a DSS field office.

How to enrol in a Marketplace plan in Connecticut

In Connecticut, Access Health CT is the state's Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. To enrol in an ACA Marketplace plan in Connecticut, you can use any of the following methods:

• Online: Visit AccessHealthCT.com to create an account and apply. On the website, you can also compare plans, shop, and sign up for health and dental plans. You can also use the live chat feature for general questions.
• Phone: Contact the Access Health CT call centre at 855-805-4325. Assistance is available in over 100 languages. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY at 855-789-2428 or contact them through a relay operator.
• In-person: Visit one of the Access Health CT's in-person open enrolment locations.
• By mail: Call 855-805-4325 to have the correct application mailed to you.
• Assisted enrolment: Get help from a navigator, certified application counsellor, or agent/broker certified with Access Health CT. These individuals can provide assistance over the phone, in person, or online.

Connecticut's open enrolment period for individual and family health plans typically runs from November 1 to January 15. However, it is important to check the specific dates for the year you are interested in enrolling. Outside of the open enrolment period, you may still be able to enrol if you experience a qualifying life event, such as losing coverage, getting married, or moving. Additionally, certain groups, such as Native Americans, people eligible for the Covered Connecticut program, and those eligible for HUSKY (Medicaid/CHIP), can enrol at any time.

Connecticut's insurance requirements

Connecticut has a variety of insurance requirements, depending on the type of insurance in question.

Health Insurance

In Connecticut, most non-elderly people have private insurance coverage, with about 75% obtaining coverage through an employer, either their own (40%) or a family member's (35%). Nearly 10% of Connecticut residents under 65 receive coverage through a public program, the largest of which is Medicaid.

Connecticut runs its own state-based exchange called Access Health CT, which offers individual and family plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. These plans are for people who don't have access to Medicaid, Medicare, or employer-sponsored health insurance. This includes self-employed people, early retirees needing coverage until Medicare, and workers at small businesses without health benefits.

Connecticut also has state-funded subsidies available in addition to federal subsidies, such as the Covered Connecticut program, which is available to adults with household incomes up to 175% of the poverty level.

Car Insurance

Connecticut drivers are required to have a car insurance policy that includes specific minimum coverage levels to drive legally in the state. The requirements are:

• Bodily injury liability insurance: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist coverage/underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

If you want your own vehicle to be covered after an at-fault accident, you can purchase collision insurance. Many drivers opt for full coverage auto insurance, which adds comprehensive coverage along with liability and collision.

It is a criminal offense to drive without insurance in Connecticut, and those caught without it can be charged with a class C misdemeanor, resulting in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

Frequently asked questions