Husky is Medicaid, not Medicare

Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program. It is state and federally funded health insurance for people with lower incomes, not a Medicare program. If you live in Connecticut and have been told you may have access to for Husky, you are being offered Medicaid coverage through your state.

Medicare and Medicaid are separate federal programs that serve different groups. Medicare is primarily for people 65 and older, regardless of income. Medicaid is for people of any age who meet income limits set by their state. Connecticut calls its Medicaid program Husky, just as other states use different names — California calls it Medi-Cal, New York calls it Medicaid, and Texas calls it CHIP or STAR.

If you arrived at this page from the Medicare section of our site, you may have been checking whether Husky could work alongside your Medicare coverage. The answer is yes — many people have both. This is called "dual may be able to access" status, and it happens when someone is 65 or older (may have access to for Medicare) and also meets their state's Medicaid income limits (may have access to for Husky).

Key Takeaways

  • Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program for people with lower incomes, not a Medicare program for seniors.
  • You can have both Husky and Medicare at the same time if you are 65 or older and meet Connecticut's income limits.
  • Husky covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and other services; what is covered depends on which Husky plan you are in.
  • To learn whether you might be covered by Husky, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services or call 211 for a referral.

How Husky differs from Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that covers nearly all Americans age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. You pay into Medicare through payroll taxes during your working years, and it is available to you regardless of how much money you have.

Husky is income-based. To be covered, your household income must fall below a certain level. That level changes each year and depends on your household size. Husky also covers children, pregnant people, parents, and working-age adults — groups that Medicare does not cover at all. You do not need to have paid into Husky through taxes; you only need to meet the income requirement and live in Connecticut.

If you are 65 or older and your income is low enough, you can have both programs. Medicare becomes your primary insurance (it pays first), and Husky fills in gaps — such as covering the cost-sharing amounts Medicare does not pay, or covering services Medicare does not include.

What Husky covers

Husky has several different plans, and what each one covers varies. All Husky plans must cover certain core services: doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Most plans also cover dental care, vision care, and hearing aids.

If you are on both Husky and Medicare, Husky typically covers your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments — the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare does not pay. This is called "Medicaid buy-in" or "Medicare savings" coverage, and it can make a real difference in what you actually pay when you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

The specific services and cost-sharing amounts depend on which Husky plan you are enrolled in. You can find details about your plan by contacting the Connecticut Department of Social Services or by calling 211.

Who can get Husky

Husky is open to Connecticut residents who meet income limits. The income cutoff varies by age and household size. For example, a single adult might may have access to if their monthly income is below a certain amount, while a family of four would have a higher cutoff. These limits change each year.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to get Husky, but you do have to be a Connecticut resident. You also cannot be covered by other health insurance at the time you explore, with some exceptions — for instance, if you have Medicare, you can still get Husky.

If you are not sure whether your income qualifies, the fastest way to find out is to call 211 or contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services directly. They can tell you the current income limits and walk you through what information you will need to provide.

How to learn more about Husky

The official source for Husky information is the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can reach them by phone, mail, or through their website. They can answer questions about income limits, what documents you need, and which plan might be right for you.

You can also call 211 — a free helpline available in all 50 states — and ask for information about Husky. The person who answers can tell you whether you might be covered and can connect you with local resources to learn more.

If you are already on Medicare and think you might also may have access to for Husky, mention that when you contact them. They can explain how the two programs work together and what your costs might be.

Husky and Medicare together

If you are 65 or older and have both Medicare and Husky, you have what is called "dual coverage." In this situation, Medicare is your primary insurance — it processes your claims first. Husky is secondary — it pays the costs that Medicare does not cover.

This arrangement can lower your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Instead of paying Medicare's deductibles and co-payments yourself, Husky often covers them. You also get access to services that Husky covers but Medicare does not, such as dental work or hearing aids (depending on your plan).

Dual coverage is not automatic. You have to be found to meet the income requirements for Husky even though you already have Medicare. If your income is low enough, you can have both at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Husky if I already have Medicare?

Yes. If you are 65 or older and your income meets Connecticut's Husky limits, you can have both programs at the same time. Medicare will be your primary insurance, and Husky will help cover costs that Medicare does not pay.

What is the income limit for Husky?

The income limit depends on your age, household size, and the current year. It changes annually. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services or call 211 to find out the current limit for your household size.

Does Husky cover prescription drugs?

Yes. All Husky plans cover prescription drugs. If you are on both Husky and Medicare, Husky can help pay for drugs that Medicare does not cover or can help with the cost-sharing amounts Medicare requires you to pay.

How do I learn about I may have access to for Husky?

Call 211 or contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services directly. They will ask about your income and household size and can tell you whether you might be covered. You can also visit the state's website for more information about the process.

Is Husky the same in every state?

No. Each state runs its own Medicaid program and can set different income limits, covered services, and plan options. Husky is Connecticut's name for its program. If you move to another state, you would need to look into that state's Medicaid program instead.