What Husky Medicare Is and How It Works

Husky Medicare is Connecticut's Medicaid program for people 65 and older

Husky Medicare is not actually Medicare — it is Connecticut's name for its Medicaid program that covers older adults and people with disabilities. If you live in Connecticut and are 65 or older, you may hear about Husky Medicare as an option alongside traditional Medicare. The program is run by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and it works differently from Medicare in important ways.

Husky Medicare covers medical services, prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care — often with lower out-of-pocket costs than Medicare alone. Many people in Connecticut are covered by both Medicaid (Husky) and Medicare at the same time. When you have both, Medicaid typically covers what Medicare does not pay, which is why it is sometimes called "dual coverage."

The program is only available to Connecticut residents. If you move out of state, your coverage ends, and you would need to look into that state's Medicaid program instead.

Key Takeaways

Husky Medicare is Connecticut's Medicaid program for people 65 and older, not a type of Medicare itself.
You can have both Husky Medicare and traditional Medicare at the same time, and Medicaid covers costs that Medicare does not pay.
The program covers medical services, prescription drugs, dental, and vision care, often with lower out-of-pocket costs than Medicare alone.
Income and asset limits determine whether you can be covered, and these limits vary depending on your household situation.
You must be a Connecticut resident to be covered by Husky Medicare.

How Husky Medicare differs from regular Medicare

Medicare is a federal program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It is based on your age or disability status, not on how much money you have. Husky Medicare is a state Medicaid program based on income and assets — you have to meet financial limits to be covered.

If you are 65 or older in Connecticut, you are automatically covered by Medicare once you turn 65 (or after you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months). Husky Medicare is separate. You would need to meet income and asset limits, and you would have to be a Connecticut resident. Many people have both at the same time.

When you have both programs, Medicare is your primary insurance — it pays first. Husky Medicare then covers what Medicare does not pay, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. This is why dual coverage can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket.

Income and asset limits for Husky Medicare

To be covered by Husky Medicare in Connecticut, your income and assets must fall below certain limits. These limits change each year and depend on whether you are single or married, and whether you live in a nursing home or in the community.

For 2024, the income limit for a single person living in the community is roughly 100% of the federal poverty level, though Connecticut allows some additional income from certain sources. If you are married, the limit is higher. If you are in a nursing home or long-term care facility, the income limit is different again. The Connecticut Department of Social Services publishes updated limits each year.

Asset limits also explore. For a single person, the limit is typically around $2,000 in countable assets. For a married couple, it is higher. Some assets do not count toward the limit — your home, one car, and certain personal items are usually excluded. Money in a burial fund also does not count.

Because these limits change and the rules for what counts as an asset are complex, it is worth contacting the Connecticut Department of Social Services directly or speaking with a benefits counselor who can look at your specific situation.

What Husky Medicare covers

Husky Medicare covers hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and hearing aids. It also covers some services that Medicare does not, such as long-term care in a nursing home if you meet the medical and financial criteria.

Copays and coinsurance are usually lower than they would be with Medicare alone. For some services, there may be no copay at all. The exact copay amounts depend on the service and your specific plan.

Husky Medicare also covers transportation to medical appointments for people who cannot drive themselves, which is a service Medicare does not provide. This can be a significant help for older adults who rely on others to get to doctors.

How to learn about you may be covered

The first step is to contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person at a local office. They can tell you whether your income and assets fall within the limits and what documents you would need to provide.

You can also contact a benefits counselor through the Connecticut Community Care, Inc., which runs the State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are trained to help people understand Medicare and Medicaid options and can walk you through the process of finding out what you may be covered for.

Another option is to call 211, a free referral service. They can connect you with local resources and programs in Connecticut that help with health insurance questions.

The process process

If you think you may be covered by Husky Medicare, you will need to submit an process to the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can do this online through the state's portal, by mail, or in person at a local office.

You will need to provide proof of income (such as tax returns, pay stubs, or Social Security statements), proof of assets (bank statements), proof of Connecticut residency, and proof of age or citizenship. The exact documents required may vary depending on your situation.

The state typically takes 30 to 45 days to process an process, though this can vary. Once you are approved, your coverage usually begins on the first day of the month after approval.

What happens if you have both Husky Medicare and regular Medicare

If you are covered by both programs, you will have two insurance cards — one for Medicare and one for Husky Medicare. When you go to the doctor or fill a prescription, you should present both cards.

Medicare processes the claim first and pays its share. The provider then sends the remaining balance to Husky Medicare, which pays what it covers. You are responsible for any remaining balance only if the service is not covered by either program.

Having both programs usually means lower out-of-pocket costs than having Medicare alone, because Medicaid covers many of the costs that Medicare does not. However, you must stay within Connecticut to keep your Husky Medicare coverage. If you move, you will lose coverage and would need to look into your new state's Medicaid program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Husky Medicare and regular Medicare at the same time?

Yes. Many people in Connecticut have both. Medicare is your primary insurance, and Husky Medicare covers costs that Medicare does not pay. You will have two insurance cards and should present both when you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

What is the difference between Husky Medicare and Husky Medicaid?

Husky Medicare is the name Connecticut uses for its Medicaid program for people 65 and older. Husky Medicaid is the program for younger adults and families. Both are Medicaid programs run by Connecticut, but they cover different age groups and have different income limits.

If I move out of Connecticut, do I keep my Husky Medicare coverage?

No. Husky Medicare is only for Connecticut residents. If you move, your coverage ends. You would need to look into your new state's Medicaid program to see what you may be covered for there.

How long does it take to learn about I am covered by Husky Medicare?

The state typically takes 30 to 45 days to process an process, though this can vary. You can contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services to check on the status of your process.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Connecticut has some programs for people whose income is slightly above the Medicaid limit. A benefits counselor can review your situation and tell you what other programs you might be covered for. Contact SHIP or the Connecticut Department of Social Services to learn more.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.