Medicaid & Long Term Insurance (LTI) Support
Guiding You Through Care Coverage With Clarity and Compassion
From eligibility basics to enrollment insights, we find it helpful to provide families the information they need to better understand Medicaid and long‑term insurance options.
Why This Matters:
Paying for care can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking into Medicaid or Long‑Term Insurance (LTI), having clear information is the key to making confident choices. Here, we provide straightforward education and FAQs to help you better understand your coverage options.
Medicaid Facts • Connecticut (2025)
- Medicaid in Connecticut is called HUSKY Health.
- Covers medical care, home care, and long‑term care for eligible residents.
- 68% of nursing home residents in CT rely on Medicaid.
- Long‑term care Medicaid has strict income and asset limits
Long‑Term Insurance (LTI) Facts
- LTI can cover services not fully paid by Medicaid, such as private duty care or enhanced home support.
- Policies vary widely — benefits, daily coverage limits, and elimination periods differ by plan.
- Using LTI alongside Medicaid can extend care options and reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
Three main long‑term care Medicaid pathways:
- Institutional/Nursing Home Medicaid – Entitlement; no waitlist.
- Home & Community‑Based Services (HCBS) Waivers – Limited slots; may have waitlists.
- Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled) – Entitlement; limited long‑term care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid in Connecticut?
A: Eligibility depends on income, assets, residency, citizenship status, and medical need. We can guide you to tools that help you check your status.
Q: Can I have both Medicaid and LTI?
A: Yes. LTI can pay for services or upgrades Medicaid doesn’t cover.
Q: How long does Medicaid approval take?
A: It can take several weeks to months, depending on documentation and program type.
Q: What if I’m over the asset limit?
A: There are legal, ethical spend‑down strategies — we can connect you with educational resources to learn more.
Checking Your Medicaid Eligibility
- Gather Your Info: Income, assets, medical needs, and residency documents.
- Use the Online Test: Try the Connecticut Medicaid Eligibility Test for a quick estimate.
- Review Your Results: We can help you understand what they mean and what steps may come next.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut
- Complete the DSS Application – Online, by mail, or in person.
- Submit Required Documents – Proof of income, assets, ID, and medical need.
- Follow Up – Respond promptly to DSS requests to avoid delays.
- Approval & Care Planning – Once approved, you can choose from approved providers, including OPAAT.
Medicaid vs. Long- Term Insurance (LTI)
Feature |
Medicaid |
Long Term Insurance |
| Who It’s For | Low-income individuals who meet strict income, asset and medical need requirements | Anyone who purchases a policy in advance (usually before needing care) |
| Funding Source | Government-funded (state & federal) | Privately purchased insurance policy |
| Coverage scope | Nursing home care, home & community‑based services, some medical care | Varies by policy- can include home care, assisted living, nursing home, respite care |
| Cost to client | Usually no premium; may have small co-pays | Monthly or annual premiums; possible elimination period before benefits start |
| Eligibility | Based on income, assets, residency, and medical needs | Based on insurer’s underwriting at time of purchase. (age, health, etc.) |
| When to apply | When care is needed and eligibility criteria are met | Before care is needed; ideally years in advance |
| Waitlists | Possible for certain home & community‑based waiver programs | No waitlist once policy is active and elimination period is met |
| Flexibility | Limited to covered services and approved providers | Often more flexible — can choose from a wider range of providers and services |
| Can they work together | Yes — Medicaid can cover core services, LTI can pay for upgrades or additional hours | Yes — LTI can supplement Medicaid coverage for enhanced care |
Myth |
Fact |
| “Medicaid is only for people in nursing homes.” | Medicaid also covers home and community‑based services through waiver programs — allowing many people to receive care at home. |
| “If I have Long‑Term Insurance, I can’t get Medicaid.” | You can have both — LTI can pay for services or upgrades Medicaid doesn’t cover. |
| “You have to give away all your assets to qualify for Medicaid.” | There are legal, ethical planning strategies to meet Medicaid’s asset limits without jeopardizing your financial security. |
| “Medicaid approval takes forever, so it’s not worth applying.” | While it can take weeks or months, starting early and submitting complete documentation can speed up approval. |
| “Once you’re on Medicaid, you can’t choose your care provider.” | In many cases, you can choose from a network of approved providers — and OPAAT is proud to be one of them. |
| “LTI covers everything, so I don’t need Medicaid.” | LTI policies have limits — daily benefit caps, coverage periods, and exclusions. Medicaid can fill in the gaps when benefits run out. |
Get Started
Have questions about Medicaid or LTI?
Fill out the form below and our team will contact you to provide educational guidance and help you understand your options.