Medicaid Qualification

Navigating a long-term care crisis is crucial for ensuring your loved one receives the right care. While the potential costs can reach thousands of dollars monthly, there are more affordable solutions. However, understanding and navigating the intricate legal and financial landscape of long-term care, often revolving around complex Medicaid rules, can be overwhelming.

Medicaid is a government program that helps people pay for health care. In Connecticut, Medicaid is called HUSKY Health.

Medicaid is health insurance for people who:

• Have low income
• Are older adults
• Have disabilities
• Are children or pregnant

If you qualify, Medicaid helps cover the cost of doctor visits, hospital care, and other medical services.

HUSKY Health can help pay for:

• Doctor visits
  
• Hospital stays
  
• Prescription medications
  
• Mental health services
  
• Preventive care (like check-ups and vaccines)
• Some long-term care services

In most cases, there are little or no out-of-pocket costs.

As people age or face serious illness, they may need help with daily tasks such as:

• Bathing
  
• Dressing
  
• Eating
  
• Moving safely
  

This type of help is called long-term care and 70% of adults 65 years of age and older will need some type of care in their lifetime. Long-term care may be provided at home, in an assisted living setting, or in a nursing home.

Long-term care is often very expensive, especially nursing home care, which can cost thousands of dollars each month. Many families are not prepared to pay these costs on their own.

Medicaid is the primary way many families pay for nursing home care in Connecticut.

If a person:

• Meets Medicaid’s financial rules, and
• Has a medical need for nursing home care,

This can include:

• Room and board in a nursing home
• Skilled nursing care
• Medications and medical supplies

In most cases:

• The person contributes their income and assets from Social Security, savings and checking, life insurance and 401K accounts. 
• Medicaid pays the balance

An individual on Medicaid can only have combined assets of $1,600 at any time during the month.

You may qualify for HUSKY Health if you:

• Live in Connecticut
• Meet income guidelines
• Are a U.S. citizen or have approved immigration status

• HUSKY A – Families, children, and pregnant individuals
• HUSKY C – Adults age 65+ or people with disabilities
• HUSKY D – Adults without children (based on income)

If you already have Medicare, you may also qualify for a Medicaid program called QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary).

QMB helps pay:

• Medicare premiums
• Deductibles
• Copayments

This means you may have no cost for Medicare-covered services.

You can apply for Medicaid (HUSKY Health):

• Online through Access Health CT
• By mail
• With help from a local community agency or care manager

Medicaid helps people get the care they need without worrying about high costs. It supports health, independence, and peace of mind for individuals and families across Connecticut.

Understanding Medicaid and long-term care can feel overwhelming. The rules are complex, and the decisions are often urgent and emotional for families, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

For over 30 years Weatherby & Associates, PC has helped individuals and families in Connecticut and Massachusetts navigate these challenges with clarity and compassion.

Our services include:

• Explaining Medicaid eligibility in simple, easy-to-understand terms
• Guiding families through the Medicaid application process
• Helping protect assets while still qualifying for benefits by planning ahead
• Coordinating care planning for individuals who need long-term care
• Providing support and advocacy during difficult transitions

We understand that every situation is unique. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and ensure that your loved one receives the care they need while preserving as much financial security as possible.

You do not have to go through this process alone. With the right guidance, families can move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

If you or a loved one may need long-term care, we are here to help.

Understanddecisions ing Medicaid and long-term care can feel overwhelming. The rules are complex, and the are often urgent and emotional for families—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

With proper planning, you can protect your assets and make thoughtful, informed choices. Planning ahead helps ensure that you and your family are not forced to make important financial decisions during a time of crisis.

Need help with Medicaid planning or applications? Complete the form below.