I. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Connecticut

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Connecticut’s home care cost averages $5,243 per month, while home health care costs are about $5,339. While in-home care provides personal care services, including help with activities of daily living (ADLs), home health care includes the extra benefit of medical supervision for those who need it. Depending on a senior’s needs, that might include physical therapy, wound care, monitoring of vital signs or post-surgical care.

The Cost of Home Care and Home Health Care in Nearby States

Home care and home health care costs in Connecticut are both above the national median, which sits at $4,957 and $5,148, respectively. When compared with nearby states, Connecticut’s costs are among the lowest. In New York, seniors pay an average of $5,339 per month for home care and $5,529 for home health care, while those in New Jersey pay $5,529 for home care and $5,710 for home health care. Costs are even higher in Rhode Island at $5,720 for home care and $5,958 for home health care, and in Massachusetts, both types of care cost $5,911 monthly.

State Home Care Home Health Care
Connecticut $5,243 $5,339
United States $4,957 $5,148
Rhode Island $5,720 $5,958
Massachusetts $5,911 $5,911
New York $5,339 $5,529
New Jersey $5,529 $5,710

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Types of Care

Seniors who prefer residential care over aging in place at home may consider options such as assisted living, which costs an average of $5,129 per month in Connecticut, or nursing home care, which is far more expensive at $13,764 per month. Those who only require supervision and assistance from a professional caregiver for part of the day may save money with adult day health care, which costs an average of $1,842 per month in Connecticut.

II. Can Medicaid Help You Pay for Home Care in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s Medicaid system is known as HUSKY Health. It administers several programs to help seniors access vital care and support while living independently at home. That includes the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, Community First Choice and the Money Follows the Person Program.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Connecticut

Connecticut’s three waiver programs operate as part of the HUSKY Health system. These waivers are designed to help seniors avoid institutionalization by providing them with necessary personal care, home health care and other services.

Waiver Contact How it Works
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) (800) 445-5394 The CHCPE waiver is exclusively available to seniors who are at risk of nursing home placement. It provides a variety of services both in and out of the home, including homemaker assistance, case management, companion care, personal care and assistive technology. To qualify, seniors need to meet the state’s Medicaid waiver income limit of $2,523 per month. Applications can be downloaded online in English or Spanish.
Community First Choice (CFC) 2-1-1 Community First Choice enables Connecticut’s Medicaid-eligible seniors to obtain services such as help with meal preparation, homemaker services and personal care while they live in their own homes. To qualify, seniors need to be able to self-direct their services and must require a nursing level of care. Participants can choose from qualified home care attendants or family members when selecting a paid caregiver. Applications can be submitted by calling 2-1-1 or online.
Money Follows the Person Program (888) 992-8637 Money Follows the Person is designed to help more seniors live independently and avoid institutionalization. The program helps those in nursing care, hospitals and other institutions transition back into their communities by providing in-home care and home health care services, as well as hospital discharge planning and accessible housing wherever necessary. To qualify for this program, seniors must have been living in a residential long-term care setting for at least three months and have an interest in living in the community. They also need to be eligible for Medicaid benefits. Applications can be submitted by calling 2-1-1 or online.

How to Know if You're Eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut

Those who want to obtain HUSKY Health coverage in Connecticut need to meet specific income guidelines. For single seniors living alone, the maximum annual income is $12,624, while spouses living together can only earn an annual household income of $19,620. For countable assets, a single senior can only possess up to $1,600, while couples are limited to $2,400.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Connecticut
Income Limits* Asset Limits
Single Person $12,624 $1,600
Two-Person Household $19,620 $2,400

*Per year

In addition to the income guidelines for Connecticut’s Medicaid program, HUSKY Health is only an option for seniors who are:

  • Aged 65 or older
  • Living in the U.S. legally as a citizen or permanent resident
  • Residing in Connecticut full time
  • In dire need of health insurance

How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut

To apply for HUSKY Health, seniors can log onto ConneCT to complete an application online. Those who prefer can contact 2-1-1 to initiate the application process over the phone.

What Information You Will Need

When applying for HUSKY Health, seniors should be prepared to provide:

  • Proof of income, including Social Security statements and tax returns
  • Policy numbers for any other health insurance policies
  • Proof of age, address and residency

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Connecticut has several programs available for seniors who are seeking assistance with their Medicaid applications or struggling to understand their eligibility.

Contact Area Served Services Provided
24/7 Client Information Line (855) 626-6632 Entire State Connecticut’s Department of Social Services provides a client information line that’s available 24 hours a day and offers answers to questions about eligibility, applications and other common Medicaid issues.
CT Medicaid Specialists (860) 490-6772 Entire State CT Medicaid Specialists is an organization that’s exclusively dedicated to helping seniors navigate the Medicaid application process. It provides help with providing income documentation, asset planning and combining benefits when applicants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Area Agencies on Aging Contact local agency Entire State Area Agencies on Aging provide a variety of senior assistance services, including help with Medicaid applications and referrals for other social service programs.

III. Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Home Care in Connecticut?

Medicare doesn’t pay for non-medical home care, but it can cover the cost of the medical version of home care, called “Home Healthcare” in some situations. In order to be eligible, you need to be homebound and have a referral from your doctor for the specific type of medical care that is needed. There are also other restrictions that apply.

Below is an overview of some of the services typically covered by Medicare for those who are eligible:

  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), and to treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, physical therapy is often provided in the home to help seniors recover from surgeries and procedures, such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Nursing Care: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services (such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.) for those who need medical care, but don’t need to stay in a hospital full-time.
  • Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy is designed to help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc., and providers can travel to your home if needed.
  • Speech Therapy: Seniors can lose the ability to adequately communicate for many reasons, and speech therapists are there to help seniors regain the ability to communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets and teaching special techniques to swallow safely.

As mentioned above, home care is distinctly different from home healthcare, but there is some overlap – so while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical home care, there are personal care services that may be covered in special circumstances – such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing.

Read our guide to Medicare and Home Care Coverage for more information.

IV. Other Financial Assistance Options for Home Care in Connecticut

While the above programs can be a great way to make home care affordable for many people, they are not the right solution for everyone. Thankfully, there are other ways to make home care more affordable for you and your family. For more information about your other options, read our section on Other Ways to Pay for this guide.

V. Free Resources for Aging in Place in Connecticut

Seniors living at home often need additional support to make life affordable and comfortable. In Connecticut, there are a variety of resources available that help to reduce living costs and offer protection for older adults.

Contact Area Served Services Provided
Weatherization Assistance Program (877) 947-3873 Entire State Administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households minimize energy-related costs by funding home improvements, such as weather stripping replacement, door and window upgrades and appliance repairs.
Down Payment Assistance Program (860) 721-9501 Entire State Connecticut’s Down Payment Assistance Program works with low-income seniors and families to cover down payment costs on a new home purchase. Seniors who are transitioning out of long-term care, as well as those looking for a different place to live, may want to take advantage of this program, which can provide up to $20,000 in funding for qualifying applicants.
2-1-1 of Connecticut Free Ride Services 2-1-1 Entire State 2-1-1 provides a comprehensive listing of free and low-cost senior transportation options in cities, towns and counties throughout Connecticut.
AT Lending Library (860) 443-8272 Entire State Seniors requiring assistive technology devices can apply to borrow from the AT Lending Library, which provides devices of all types to seniors and disabled persons across Connecticut, free of charge.
Protective Services for the Elderly (888) 385-4225 Entire State Protective Services works with those aged 60 and above to ensure they’re safeguarded against abuse, neglect and exploitation. The department accepts complaints from seniors, family members, caregivers and the general public.

 

VI. Vaccination Requirements & COVID-19 Rules for Home Care Aides in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut and the federal government require that all in-home care providers are vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19. This rule is current as of April 2022, but it’s important to stay up to date on current legislation by checking with local health authorities, such as the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Home care agencies may also have additional COVID-19 regulations in place, which may include further rules regarding vaccinations, as well as guidelines surrounding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, gloves and sanitization procedures. These rules can be obtained by contacting individual health care agencies directly.

VII. Rules and Regulations for Home Care Providers in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires all agencies that provide in-home care to register with the Department of Consumer Protection, which ensures that all agencies maintain an active license and abide by the state’s home care regulations.

What Types of Care Can Be Provided? Home care agencies can provide nonmedical supervision and homemaker services, including personal care, cooking and meal preparation. Home health agencies are authorized to provide nursing care services, medical care and hospice care.
Are Care Plans Required? Home care agencies and home health agencies are required to provide every client with a contract and care plan in writing. Care plans need to include the type of services to be provided, as well as the frequency and duration of visits. If patients receive Medicaid funding or funding from other external sources, that must also be documented in the care plan.
Can Home Care Providers Assist with Medication Management? Medication management can be provided by caregivers and home health care providers provided they’ve received certification in medication administration.
Are There Special Requirements for Screening Home Care Aides? All caregivers employed by home care agencies or home health agencies must submit a criminal background check and the state authorizes and encourages patients to request copies.
Are Home Care Aides Required to Undergo Special Training? While there aren’t any requirements in place for caregivers at home care agencies, those providing home health services need to have a minimum of 75 hours of training as a certified nursing assistant.
Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in New York? Connecticut’s HUSKY Health program offers three waiver programs that cover home care: the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, Community First Choice and the Money Follows the Person Program.
How Do I Report Abuse of Myself or a Loved One? Concerns about the safety of senior citizens in long-term care, including home care, can contact the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, which investigates and resolves issues with home care agencies and other senior care programs.

You can contact this agency by calling (866) 388-1888 statewide or contact a local office directly.

 

VIII. How to Find a Home Care Provider in Connecticut

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. To help you overcome this challenge, we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs, and finding a home care agency that will be the best fit for you and your family.



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