Medicaid Eligibility in Connecticut: Income Limits & How to Apply
Medicaid Eligibility in Connecticut
Connecticut has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This means adults aged 19-64 with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) qualify for HUSKY Health. This is approximately $21,597 per year for an individual or $44,367 per year for a family of four in 2026.
Key threshold: If your income is below $21,597 (individual) or $44,367 (family of 4), you likely qualify for HUSKY Health with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
HUSKY Health provides coverage to the following groups:
- Adults aged 19-64 with income up to 138% FPL
- Children in families with income up to 200-300% FPL (varies by age)
- Pregnant women with income up to 185-200% FPL
- Seniors and people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements
About HUSKY Health
In Connecticut, HUSKY Health is the state's Medicaid program, providing crucial health coverage to a significant portion of its residents. For adults, you generally qualify for HUSKY Health if your income is up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single adult, this means an annual income of approximately $20,783, and for a family of three, it's around $35,632, based on 2025 FPL guidelines. Children in Connecticut have higher income thresholds, with eligibility extending up to 201% FPL for HUSKY A and up to 323% FPL for HUSKY B (CHIP). Pregnant individuals also have expanded eligibility, up to 258% FPL. As of 2024, over one million people, or about one in three Connecticut residents, are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, demonstrating it's a widely utilized and essential program.
If your income is slightly above the HUSKY Health cutoff, you may still find affordable coverage through Access Health CT, the state's health insurance marketplace. For example, if you are a single adult earning just over the Medicaid limit, you could be eligible for subsidies to help pay for a marketplace plan. Connecticut's benchmark Silver plan is around $599 per month. While this is moderate compared to the national average, subsidies can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. It is important to remember that income fluctuations can shift your eligibility between HUSKY Health and marketplace subsidies. Connecticut did see a 7.4% decline in Medicaid enrollment in 2023 due to redeterminations, but if you lost coverage, you can reapply at any time if your circumstances change. The state also offers a "Covered Connecticut" program that provides free coverage for adults with incomes up to 175% of the poverty level who don't qualify for Medicaid.
HUSKY Health provides comprehensive benefits with little to no cost-sharing for most enrollees. This means you typically won't face deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for covered medical services. Connecticut also offers several unique programs and waivers. For instance, the Katie Beckett Waiver helps children and young adults under 22 with severe disabilities receive care at home, regardless of their parents' income. There are also waivers for individuals with acquired brain injuries, mental health needs, and for elders needing home and community-based services. These waivers are designed to help you receive care in your community rather than in an institutional setting.
Navigating healthcare programs can sometimes present challenges. While there are generally no asset limits for HUSKY A and D, HUSKY C (for the aged, blind, or disabled) does have asset limits, though there's a legislative effort to phase these out by 2031. Telehealth services are widely available, but providers must be able to offer in-person services if clinically appropriate or if you prefer. Additionally, written informed consent is required for telehealth, and providers must verify your identity. If you are approaching eligibility for HUSKY C, consider utilizing the "spend-down" option, which allows you to qualify by using excess income to pay for medical bills. The best first step is to apply through Access Health CT to get a personalized determination of your eligibility for HUSKY Health or marketplace subsidies.
Connecticut Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for Connecticut in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $21,597 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $29,187 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $36,777 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $44,367 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $51,957 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $59,547 | $172,600 |
If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for HUSKY Health. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
At $599/month, Connecticut's benchmark Silver plan premium is comparable to the national average of ~$525. Subsidies make marketplace coverage accessible for most income levels between Medicaid and 400% FPL.
Marketplace Insurance in Connecticut
Connecticut residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through Access Health CT. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in Connecticut costs approximately $599/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in Connecticut might pay after subsidies:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Expected Contribution | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,475 | 4.01% of income | ~$78/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,300 | 6.52% of income | ~$170/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,125 | 8.33% of income | ~$272/mo |
| 300% FPL | $46,950 | 9.83% of income | ~$385/mo |
| 400% FPL | $62,600 | 9.83% of income | ~$513/mo |
These are estimates for an individual. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and the specific plan you choose. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays.
Connecticut uses its own state-run exchange, Access Health CT, for ACA marketplace enrollment. The state platform handles both Medicaid screening and marketplace plan selection in a single application.
Connecticut's Medicaid program goes beyond the ACA's minimum requirements. HUSKY Health includes comprehensive benefits, and the state's investment in its own marketplace reflects a broader commitment to accessible healthcare coverage.
How to Apply for HUSKY Health
- Start online at Access Health CT — the application automatically screens for HUSKY Health eligibility based on your household income.
- Go through the state directly — Connecticut's Medicaid office accepts applications year-round with no enrollment window.
- Get phone support — Connecticut's Medicaid hotline can walk you through the process and verify eligibility.
- In-person options — Local social services offices and community health navigators can assist with your application.
Have the following ready: recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof that you live in Connecticut, Social Security numbers for everyone in your household, and details on any existing health insurance.
Calculate Your Subsidy in Connecticut
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in Connecticut.
Check Your Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Connecticut Medicaid income cutoff for 2026?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in Connecticut is 138% of the federal poverty level: $21,597 per year for an individual, $29,187 for a household of 2, $36,777 for 3, and $44,367 for a family of 4.
Does Connecticut have Medicaid expansion?
Yes, Connecticut has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for HUSKY Health.
How do I get help paying for health insurance in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,650 to $62,600 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through Access Health CT.
What is the name of Connecticut's Medicaid program?
Connecticut's Medicaid program is known as HUSKY Health. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
What should I do if my HUSKY Health coverage is ending?
If your HUSKY Health coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through Access Health CT. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Can I get Medicaid in Connecticut if I have a job?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in Connecticut is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($21,597 for an individual), you qualify for HUSKY Health even if you work full-time. Many HUSKY Health enrollees are working adults.
Should I choose Medicaid or a marketplace plan in Connecticut?
Medicaid (HUSKY Health) is free or near-free with no premiums or deductibles. Marketplace plans in Connecticut average $599/month before subsidies. If you qualify for Medicaid, it's the more affordable option. If your income puts you just above the cutoff, subsidized Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions are the next best thing.
Medicaid Eligibility in Nearby States
- Massachusetts Medicaid Eligibility — Expansion state
- New York Medicaid Eligibility — Expansion state
- Rhode Island Medicaid Eligibility — Expansion state