Connecticut provides health coverage to nearly one million residents through its Medicaid program, known as HUSKY Health. Whether you are a parent, a pregnant woman, a child, a senior, or a working adult without dependents, there may be a HUSKY program designed for you. This guide breaks down the eligibility rules, income limits, and application steps for Connecticut Medicaid in 2026 so you can determine if you or your family qualify.
Not sure where to start? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs in just a few minutes.
How Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health) Is Structured
Connecticut organizes its Medicaid program into four main categories, each serving a different population:
- HUSKY A covers low-income children (ages 0 to 18), parents and relative caregivers, and pregnant women. This is traditional Medicaid.
- HUSKY B covers children in households with incomes too high for HUSKY A but still moderate. This is Connecticut's version of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- HUSKY C covers individuals who are aged (65 and older), blind, or disabled. Eligibility is based on both income and assets.
- HUSKY D covers low-income adults ages 19 to 64 without dependent children. This is the Medicaid expansion population that Connecticut adopted in 2010.
All four programs are managed by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and provide comprehensive health benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more.
Income Limits for Connecticut Medicaid in 2026
Eligibility for HUSKY A, B, and D is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2025 FPL guidelines (used for eligibility determinations starting March 1, 2025, and typically remaining in effect through early 2026) are the basis for these thresholds. New FPL numbers are published each January and take effect for Medicaid on March 1.
HUSKY A Income Limits (Medicaid)
| Household Size | Children (up to 201% FPL) | Pregnant Women (up to 263% FPL) | Parents/Caregivers (up to 160% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30,271 | $39,608 | $24,096 |
| 2 | $40,951 | $53,578 | $32,596 |
| 3 | $51,631 | $67,548 | $41,096 |
| 4 | $62,311 | $81,518 | $49,596 |
| 5 | $72,991 | $95,488 | $58,096 |
| 6 | $83,671 | $109,458 | $66,596 |
Note: These figures include a 5% income disregard. Actual FPL percentages before the disregard are 196% for children, 258% for pregnant women, and 155% for parents. Amounts shown are approximate annual income based on the 2025 FPL of $15,060 for one person plus $5,380 for each additional household member.
HUSKY B Income Limits (CHIP for Children)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income (up to 323% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $48,644 |
| 2 | $65,821 |
| 3 | $82,998 |
| 4 | $100,175 |
| 5 | $117,352 |
| 6 | $134,529 |
Children in HUSKY B families may have small co-pays or premiums depending on income level.
HUSKY D Income Limits (Medicaid Expansion for Adults)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income (up to 138% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $20,783 |
| 2 | $28,124 |
| 3 | $35,466 |
| 4 | $42,807 |
| 5 | $50,148 |
| 6 | $57,490 |
HUSKY D has no asset limits.
HUSKY C Income and Asset Limits (Aged, Blind, Disabled)
HUSKY C uses different rules because eligibility is not based on MAGI alone. Both income and assets are considered:
| Category | Single Person | Married Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income Limit | $835* | $1,128* |
| Asset Limit | $1,600 | $2,400 |
Does not include the unearned income disregard.
Long-Term Care Medicaid for institutionalized individuals has a monthly income limit of $2,829 for a single person and an asset limit of $1,600.
MED-Connect (Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities) allows earnings up to $85,000 per year, with asset limits of $20,000 for a single person and $30,000 for a married couple.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income and asset limits, you must also meet these general requirements to qualify for Connecticut Medicaid:
- Residency: You must be a resident of Connecticut.
- Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizens and many lawfully present immigrants qualify. Connecticut also covers undocumented children age 12 and younger under HUSKY A.
- Age requirements: Vary by program (children up to 18 for HUSKY A/B, adults 19 to 64 for HUSKY D, 65 and older for HUSKY C).
- Other insurance: HUSKY D applicants must not already have Medicare. You cannot be enrolled in other qualifying coverage in some cases.
Connecticut does not count all of your income and may deduct certain expenses, so even if you think you are slightly over the limits, it is worth applying.
How to Apply for Connecticut Medicaid in 2026
Applying for HUSKY Health is free and can be done in several ways:
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you begin, collect the following for each household member:
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s)
- Proof of Connecticut residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Identification (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Visit Access Health CT and select "Get Health Coverage." This is the fastest method.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428) to apply over the phone with a representative.
- In person: Visit your local DSS office or a community enrollment center.
- By mail: Call 1-877-284-8759 to request a paper application be mailed to you.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
Fill out all required sections accurately. If applying online, you may receive an eligibility determination in real time. Paper and phone applications may take up to 45 days to process.
Step 4: Respond to Any Requests for Documentation
DSS may ask for additional verification of income, residency, or identity. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5: Receive Your Determination
You will receive a notice by mail telling you whether you are approved and which HUSKY program you have been enrolled in. If approved, your coverage can begin as early as the date of your application.
What Connecticut Medicaid Covers
HUSKY Health provides comprehensive benefits, including:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Preventive care and screenings
- Dental care (for children; limited for adults)
- Vision care
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Home health services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- 12 months of postpartum coverage for new mothers
Covered Connecticut Program
If your income is above the Medicaid limit but still modest (up to 175% FPL for adults), you may qualify for Covered Connecticut. This program provides free private health insurance through Access Health CT marketplace plans with no premiums or cost sharing. It is not Medicaid but offers similar financial protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HUSKY A and HUSKY D?
HUSKY A covers children, pregnant women, and parents or caregivers of minor children. HUSKY D covers adults ages 19 to 64 who do not have dependent children and do not qualify for HUSKY A. Both are Medicaid programs with full benefits, but they serve different populations with different income thresholds.
Can I apply for Connecticut Medicaid if I am undocumented?
Undocumented children age 12 and younger can enroll in HUSKY A and remain covered until they turn 19. Undocumented adults generally do not qualify for full Medicaid but may receive emergency Medicaid services.
How long does it take to get approved?
Online applications through Access Health CT may provide an instant eligibility determination. Other methods typically take up to 45 days. If additional documentation is needed, the process may take longer.
Is there an asset limit for HUSKY A, B, or D?
No. HUSKY A, B, and D eligibility is based on income only. There are no asset tests for these programs. Only HUSKY C (for aged, blind, or disabled individuals) has asset limits.
Can I have other insurance and still qualify for HUSKY?
In many cases, yes. Medicaid can serve as secondary insurance. However, HUSKY D applicants cannot have Medicare. If you have employer-sponsored insurance, you may still qualify for HUSKY depending on your income.
What happens if my income changes after I am enrolled?
You must report income changes to DSS. If your income increases above the limit, you may lose eligibility. However, Connecticut offers a 12-month continuous eligibility period for children, and you may transition to Covered Connecticut or a marketplace plan with subsidies.
When do the 2026 income limits take effect?
New Federal Poverty Level guidelines are typically published in January and take effect for Medicaid eligibility on March 1. The income limits listed in this guide are based on the 2025 FPL, which applies from March 1, 2025. Updated 2026 FPL figures will apply starting March 1, 2026.
Next Steps
If you think you or your family might qualify for Connecticut Medicaid, do not wait to apply. Coverage can start as early as your application date, and there is no enrollment period for Medicaid. You can apply at any time of year.
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for HUSKY Health and over 10 other assistance programs in minutes. You can also visit the Connecticut Benefits Overview page to explore all available programs in the state.
For questions about your application or eligibility, contact the HUSKY Health information line at 1-877-284-8759.
