Husky is Medicaid, not Medicare

Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program. It covers low-income residents of all ages — children, working adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. Medicare is a federal program for people 65 and older, regardless of income. The two are separate systems run by different states and agencies, and you cannot have both at the same time for the same service.

If you live in Connecticut and have been told you might be on Husky, you are on Medicaid. If you are 65 or older and live in Connecticut, you may be on both Medicare and Husky at the same time — in that case, Medicare is your primary insurance and Husky covers costs Medicare does not pay. But Husky itself is always Medicaid, never Medicare.

Key Takeaways

  • Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program for low-income people of any age, not a Medicare program.
  • If you are 65 or older and on both Medicare and Husky, Medicare pays first and Husky covers the remaining costs you owe.
  • Husky covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and long-term care services depending on which Husky plan you are on.
  • To find out which Husky plan you are on or whether you are on Husky at all, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services or call your Husky member services number on your card.

The difference between Husky and Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). You become may be able to access for Medicare when you turn 65, or in some cases when you have been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. Medicare is the same in every state.

Husky is Connecticut's version of Medicaid, a joint federal and state program. Each state runs its own Medicaid program with its own name and rules. Medicaid covers people with low income, and the income limits and covered services vary by state. Husky is only available to Connecticut residents.

The key difference: Medicare is based on age or disability status. Husky is based on income. You do not lose Medicare when you turn 65 just because your income is high. You do not stay on Husky once your income rises above the state limit, even if you are young.

What Husky covers

Husky has several different plans depending on your age and situation. Husky A covers children and pregnant women. Husky B covers working adults with low income. Husky C covers seniors and people on Medicare. Husky D covers people who are blind or have disabilities.

All Husky plans cover doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and prescription drugs. Most plans also cover dental care, vision care, and mental health services. Husky C, the plan for seniors and people on Medicare, covers costs that Medicare does not pay — such as copayments, coinsurance, and some services Medicare limits or excludes.

The exact services covered depend on which Husky plan you are on. Your Husky member services number is on your card, and the staff can tell you what your plan covers.

If you are 65 or older and have both Medicare and Husky

If you turned 65 and are still on Husky, you now have both Medicare and Husky. This is called being "dual may be able to access." Medicare is your primary insurance, meaning it pays first. Husky is your secondary insurance and pays some of the costs Medicare does not cover.

For example: Medicare covers a doctor visit but charges you a $15 copayment. Husky will pay that $15 copayment for you. Medicare covers hospital care but charges you a deductible of several hundred dollars. Husky will pay part or all of that deductible, depending on your plan.

You keep both cards and show both to your doctor or hospital. The provider will bill Medicare first, then bill Husky for the remaining balance. You should not have to pay anything out of pocket for covered services.

How to find out which Husky plan you are on

Your Husky member ID card shows your plan name. It will say "Husky A," "Husky B," "Husky C," or "Husky D." The card also has a member services phone number you can call with questions about your coverage.

If you do not have a card or are not sure whether you are on Husky, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can reach them online at ct.gov/dss or by phone at 1-855-626-6556. Have your Social Security number ready.

If you are on Medicare and think you should also be on Husky because your income is low, you can contact the Department of Social Services to ask about Husky C. They will tell you the income limit and what documents you need to provide.

What happens if your income changes

If your income rises above the Husky limit, you will lose Husky coverage. Connecticut will send you a notice telling you when your coverage ends, usually giving you 30 days' notice. You should look into other coverage options before that date.

If you are 65 or older and lose Husky, you still have Medicare. Medicare will continue to cover you. You may want to look into a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap supplemental plan to help pay for costs Medicare does not cover.

If your income drops and you think you are now below the Husky limit, you can contact the Department of Social Services to report the change. They will review your case and may restore your Husky coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Medicare and Husky at the same time?

Yes, if you are 65 or older or on Social Security Disability Insurance. Medicare is your primary insurance and Husky is secondary. Husky pays some of the costs Medicare does not cover, such as copayments and deductibles.

What is the income limit for Husky?

The income limit depends on which Husky plan you are trying to join and how many people are in your household. Limits change each year. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services at 1-855-626-6556 to find out the current limit for your situation.

If I am on Husky, do I still need Medicare when I turn 65?

Yes. You must sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65, even if you are on Husky. If you do not sign up on time, you may pay a penalty for the rest of your life. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to sign up.

Does Husky cover long-term care or nursing home care?

Yes, Husky covers some long-term care services. Husky D, for people with disabilities, covers home and community-based services. Husky C, for seniors and people on Medicare, covers nursing home care and some home care services. Call your member services number to find out what your plan covers.

What do I do if Husky denies a service I think I need?

You have the right to appeal. Husky will send you a notice explaining why the service was denied. The notice will tell you how to file an appeal and the important date to do so. You can also call your member services number to ask for help understanding the denial.