Connecticut Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Full Eligibility Guide (HUSKY Health)

Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against official CT DSS and Medicaid.gov guidelines | Last Updated: April 2026

CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For official eligibility, contact your state Medicaid office or visit Medicaid.gov.

Connecticut’s Medicaid program — called HUSKY Health — covers children, parents, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Income limits were updated on March 1, 2026 by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

This guide covers every HUSKY program, income chart, and how to apply.

Quick Summary:

• Program name: HUSKY Health (administered by CT DSS)
• Who qualifies: Children, parents, pregnant women, adults 19–64, seniors, and people with disabilities
• Income limits: Range from 138% FPL (adults) to 323% FPL (CHIP children)
• Asset tests: None for HUSKY A, B, or D — required for HUSKY C (aged/blind/disabled)
• How to apply: Online at connect.ct.gov or call 1-877-CT-HUSKY
• Check your eligibility now → Use our Connecticut Medicaid eligibility calculator for 2026 to see if you qualify in minutes.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a free or low-cost health insurance program run by the federal government and each state. It pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more for people with low income.

In Connecticut, Medicaid is called HUSKY Health. The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) runs the program. As of October 2025, about 911,816 Connecticut residents were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Connecticut 2026?

Connecticut’s HUSKY Health program is divided into four tracks. Each track covers a different group of people, and income limits vary by track.

To get a full breakdown of how these rules compare across the country, see our guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.

HUSKY A — Children, Parents & Pregnant Women

HUSKY A covers children up to age 18, parents and caretaker relatives, and pregnant women. There is no asset test for HUSKY A.

HUSKY B — Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP)

HUSKY B is Connecticut’s CHIP program. It covers uninsured children under age 19 whose income is too high for HUSKY A but still within CHIP limits. The upper income limit is 323% FPL. Connecticut also offers State HUSKY B for children ages 0–15 regardless of immigration status.

HUSKY C — Aged, Blind & Disabled

HUSKY C covers Connecticut residents who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. This program has both an income limit and an asset limit. It also includes a Medical Spend-Down pathway for those slightly over the income limit.

HUSKY D — ACA Expansion Adults

HUSKY D covers adults aged 19–64 who do not have Medicare, are not pregnant, and have no dependent child under 19. The income limit is 138% FPL. There is no asset test for HUSKY D. As of June 2025, about 314,988 Connecticut residents were enrolled in HUSKY D.

Connecticut Medicaid Income Limits 2026

Income limits are set based on your household size and the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Connecticut updated all HUSKY A, B, and D income charts on March 1, 2026. These figures are effective through February 28, 2027.

Understanding how your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) compares to these thresholds is the key first step.

HUSKY A Income Limits — Children (201% FPL)

HUSKY A Income Limits — Parents & Caretaker Relatives (138% FPL)

As of October 1, 2024, Connecticut lowered the income limit for parents from 160% FPL to 138% FPL, aligning with most ACA expansion states.

HUSKY A Income Limits — Pregnant Women (263% FPL)

Coverage for pregnant women is free with no premiums or co-pays. It includes prenatal visits, ultrasounds, hospital delivery, doula services, and 12 months of postpartum care.

Non-citizen pregnant individuals may qualify for HUSKY B Prenatal.

HUSKY B Income Limits — CHIP Children (323% FPL)

HUSKY D Income Limits — Adults Without Minor Children (138% FPL)

HUSKY C Income Limits — Aged, Blind & Disabled

HUSKY C uses a Medically Needy Income Limit (MNIL) plus an unearned income disregard. An asset test also applies.

HUSKY C Asset Limits (2026):

Note: As of March 2026, a bill passed the Connecticut Aging Committee that would raise asset limits to $5,000 (single) and $7,500 (married). This bill has not yet become law. Current limits of $1,600/$2,400 remain in effect.

HUSKY C — Long-Term Care Income Limits (2026)

For Nursing Home Medicaid, a Personal Needs Allowance of $75/month (or $165/month for wartime veterans) is kept by the resident. All other income goes toward care costs.

Long-Term Care Asset Limits (2026):

A 60-month (5-year) look-back period applies to Nursing Home Medicaid and HCBS Waivers. Asset transfers below fair market value within this window may cause a penalty period.

Spousal Protection Allowances (Effective 7/1/25–6/30/26):

• Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): $2,643.75/month
• Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance: $4,066.50/month

MED-Connect — Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities

MED-Connect is part of HUSKY C and is for Connecticut residents with a disability who are working for pay.

• Annual income limit: $85,000/year
• Asset limit: $20,000 (individual) / $30,000 (couple)
• Premiums: None if income is below 200% FPL; 10% of income above 200% FPL for most enrollees

Covered Connecticut Program (CoveredCT)

CoveredCT provides no-cost health and dental coverage for adults aged 19–64 who earn too much for HUSKY D but are at or below 175% FPL. It is not Medicaid but fills the gap for many low-income adults.

What Does Medicaid Cover in Connecticut?

HUSKY Health covers a wide range of medical services at little or no cost to enrollees. Coverage varies slightly by program track, but most HUSKY members have access to the following benefits.

Medical & Hospital Services

• Doctor visits and specialist care
• Emergency room and hospital stays
• Lab tests, X-rays, and imaging
• Surgery and outpatient procedures

Prescription Drugs

HUSKY Health covers most prescription medications through a managed care plan. Your plan will provide a list of covered drugs (formulary). Generic drugs are usually covered with no co-pay.

Mental Health & Substance Use

• Counseling and therapy
• Inpatient psychiatric care
• Substance use treatment and recovery services
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Dental & Vision

• Preventive dental care and cleanings
• Tooth extractions and fillings
• Vision exams and eyeglasses (for children)
• Limited adult dental services depending on your plan

Pregnancy & Newborn Care

Pregnant women enrolled in HUSKY A receive full coverage with no co-pays. This includes prenatal visits, ultrasounds, hospital delivery, doula services, and 12 months of postpartum care.

Long-Term Care & Home Services

HUSKY C covers nursing home care, home health aide services, and home and community-based waiver programs. These services help seniors and people with disabilities stay independent.

For details on how Connecticut reimburses providers, you can review the Connecticut Medicaid fee schedule in 2026 for specific service rates.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut

Applying for HUSKY Health is free and straightforward. Connecticut accepts applications online, by phone, by mail, and in person. For a broader overview of the process across all states, our guide on how to apply for Medicaid in Connecticut walks through every option in detail.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Gather your documents. You will need proof of identity, residency, household income (pay stubs, tax returns), and Social Security numbers for each household member.
2. Choose your application method. Apply online at connect.ct.gov, call 1-877-CT-HUSKY (1-877-284-8759), or visit your local DSS office.
3. Submit your application. Complete all sections honestly and attach any required documents. Missing information can slow the process.
4. Wait for a decision. CT DSS will review your application and may contact you for more information. Most decisions are made within 45 days (or 90 days if a disability determination is needed).
5. Receive your HUSKY Health card. If approved, you will get your Medicaid card in the mail. Coverage may start the month you applied or even retroactively.
6. Renew each year. Connecticut will send you a renewal notice. Respond on time to keep your coverage active.

Tip: You can also apply through Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com if you want to compare HUSKY Health with other health plan options.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you submit your application, CT DSS will begin an eligibility determination review. This is the process of verifying your income, household size, and other qualifying factors against the 2026 income guidelines.

Timeline & What to Expect

• Within a few days: You may receive a letter or call asking for additional documents.
• Within 45 days: A final decision is made for most applicants. Disability-related cases may take up to 90 days.
• If approved: You will receive a HUSKY Health enrollment notice and a managed care plan selection letter. Your coverage start date may go back to the first day of the month you applied.
• If denied: You have the right to appeal. The denial letter will explain why and how to request a fair hearing within 90 days.

Medicaid Renewal

Connecticut renews Medicaid eligibility once a year. You will receive a renewal packet in the mail. If your income or household has changed, update your information right away at connect.ct.gov or by calling DSS at 1-855-626-6632.

Important 2026 Federal Policy Changes (OBBBA)

The federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025, will affect some HUSKY D enrollees in coming years. Key changes include:

• Work requirements: 80 hours/month for HUSKY D adults (implementation timeline pending)
• More frequent redeterminations: Eligibility checks moving to twice per year
• New cost-sharing: Co-pays for HUSKY D enrollees with income above the federal poverty level
• Reduced retroactive coverage: Medicaid will cover only 2 months before application (down from 3 months), effective January 2027

The Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller estimates 100,000–200,000 Connecticut residents could lose coverage due to these changes. The 2026 income limits are not changing — the 138% FPL threshold for HUSKY D remains in place for 2026. To understand how reimbursement rates work under these rules, you can also review the broader Medicaid fee schedule for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Disclaimer

Sources:

• Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT DSS) — portal.ct.gov/dss
• HUSKY Health Income Charts (March 1, 2026 Update) — portal.ct.gov/dss HUSKY Income Charts
• Medicaid.gov — www.medicaid.gov
• Access Health CT — www.accesshealthct.com

Last Updated: April 2026

Disclaimer: CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. Income limits and eligibility rules may change. For official eligibility determinations, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 1-855-626-6632 or visit Medicaid.gov.