Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program for low-income residents

Husky is the name Connecticut uses for its Medicaid program. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, dental work, and mental health services for people whose income falls below certain limits. The program is run by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, not by a private insurance company.

Connecticut divides Husky into separate plans based on age and circumstances. Husky A covers children and pregnant people. Husky B covers parents and caretakers. Husky D covers people who are blind, disabled, or over 65. Husky C covers people leaving foster care. Each plan has different income limits and covers slightly different services, though all include the core medical benefits.

Husky is free or very low-cost depending on your household income. Some people pay nothing. Others pay a small monthly premium or a copay when they use a service. The amount you pay, if anything, depends on how much money your household makes and which Husky plan you are in.

Key Takeaways

  • Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program and covers medical, dental, mental health, and prescription drug services for low-income people.
  • Income limits vary by plan and household size, and you can check whether you may be covered by looking at the Connecticut Department of Social Services income chart.
  • You apply through the Connecticut Department of Social Services, either online through the ACCESS CT portal, by mail, or in person at a local DSS office.
  • Husky covers emergency services regardless of whether you are in-network, so you can go to any emergency room if you are having a medical crisis.
  • If your income changes or you lose Husky coverage, you have 30 days to report the change to avoid losing benefits or owing money back.

Income limits and who can be covered

Husky income limits depend on which plan you are applying for and how many people live in your household. For example, Husky A for a child might allow a household income up to 213% of the federal poverty line, while Husky B for a parent might allow up to 138%. These percentages change year to year and vary by plan, so the actual dollar amount is different each year.

To find the current income limits for your household size and situation, you can visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services website or call their customer service line. They can tell you in minutes whether your income falls within the range for the plan you are asking about. You do not have to guess or estimate — they have the exact numbers.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support. It does not include certain things like food stamps, housing assistance, or the first $65 of monthly earnings for some people. If you are unsure whether a particular source of money counts, ask the DSS when you apply.

How to apply for Husky

You can apply for Husky in three ways: online through the ACCESS CT portal, by mail, or in person at your local DSS office. The online portal is usually the fastest — you can complete the application in one sitting and get a decision within days. To use it, you go to portal.ct.gov/accessct, create an account, and fill out the Medicaid application form.

If you apply by mail, you send a completed application form to your local DSS office. The address is on the form itself. Processing by mail takes longer, usually two to four weeks. If you apply in person, you can bring documents with you and sometimes get a decision the same day or within a few days.

You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of Connecticut residency (a utility bill or lease). If you are applying for a child, you also need their birth certificate. Have these documents ready before you start the application, whether you are doing it online or on paper.

What Husky covers

All Husky plans cover doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency room care, lab tests, X-rays, and imaging. They cover prescription medications, though some drugs require prior approval from Husky before the pharmacy will fill them. Mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry, are covered. Dental care for children is covered in full. Dental care for adults is more limited and usually covers only emergency dental work.

Husky also covers vision care, including eye exams and glasses for children. Maternity and newborn care are covered. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are covered if a doctor says you need them. Nursing home care and home health services are covered for people who may have access to.

What is not covered includes cosmetic surgery, most weight-loss surgery, and some experimental treatments. If you are unsure whether a specific service or drug is covered, call Husky customer service or ask your doctor's office to check before you have the service done.

Using your Husky card and finding providers

When you are approved for Husky, you receive a card in the mail. This card has your name, member ID number, and the Husky plan you are in. You show this card to your doctor, dentist, or pharmacy when you get care. The provider checks whether you are covered and what you owe.

Not all doctors and dentists accept Husky. You can search for in-network providers on the Husky website or by calling customer service. In-network providers have agreed to accept Husky's payment rates. Out-of-network providers may charge you more or refuse to see you. For non-emergency care, it is worth checking whether your preferred doctor is in-network before you make an appointment.

If you need emergency care, you can go to any emergency room in Connecticut or anywhere else in the United States. Husky covers emergency services even if the hospital is out-of-network. After the emergency is over, if you need follow-up care, try to use an in-network provider to avoid unexpected bills.

What happens if your income or circumstances change

You must report changes to the Connecticut Department of Social Services within 30 days. Changes that matter include a new job, a job loss, a change in hours, a change in household size (someone moves in or out), or a change in other benefits you receive. If you do not report a change and Husky later finds out, you may have to pay back money Husky paid on your behalf.

You can report a change online through ACCESS CT, by phone, by mail, or in person. The fastest way is usually online or by phone. If your income goes up, you may lose Husky coverage or move to a different Husky plan. If your income goes down, you may become covered by a different plan or your copays may decrease. Either way, it is better to report the change yourself than to wait for Husky to discover it.

If you lose your job or have a major life change, you may be able to keep Husky even if your income temporarily goes above the limit. This is called a grace period, and it lasts a few months in some cases. Ask DSS whether you may have access to when you report your change.

Renewing your Husky coverage

Husky coverage does not last forever. You must renew it periodically, usually once a year. The Connecticut Department of Social Services will send you a renewal notice in the mail telling you when your coverage ends and what you need to do. You can renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you do not renew by the deadline, your coverage will end. If you need Husky after that, you have to apply again from the beginning. To avoid a gap in coverage, renew as soon as you receive the notice. If your circumstances have not changed, renewal is usually quick — you may just need to confirm that your information is still correct.

If you move to a different state, you lose Husky coverage in Connecticut. You can apply for Medicaid in your new state, but the program name, income limits, and covered services may be different. Contact the Medicaid office in your new state to learn about their program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Husky if I am undocumented?

No. Husky requires proof of citizenship or a may have access to immigration status. Some undocumented immigrants in Connecticut may be covered by a separate program called HUSKY for Immigrants, which covers emergency services only. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services to learn whether you may have access to for that program.

What if I cannot afford the copay?

Copays for Husky are usually very small — often $1 to $3 per visit. If you cannot afford even that, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Providers sometimes waive copays for people in financial hardship. You can also contact Husky customer service to ask whether your copay can be reduced based on your income.

Does Husky cover therapy or counseling?

Yes. Mental health services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric care, are covered by Husky. You may need a referral from your primary care doctor, or you may be able to call a mental health provider directly. Check whether the provider is in-network before you schedule an appointment.

What if I disagree with a decision Husky made about my coverage?

You have the right to appeal. Husky will send you a notice explaining the decision and telling you how to appeal. You usually have 30 days to file an appeal. You can appeal by mail, phone, or in person. During the appeal, you can provide more information or documents to support your case.

Can I have Husky and another insurance at the same time?

Yes. If you have employer insurance or Medicare, Husky can work alongside it as a secondary payer. Tell Husky about your other insurance when you apply or when it changes. Husky will coordinate benefits so you are not double-charged, and it may cover costs your other insurance does not.