Understanding how to pay for long-term care in Connecticut is essential for seniors, caregivers, and families. Navigating these costs can be overwhelming, but with the right information and planning, you can make informed decisions that protect both your assets and your loved one’s quality of care. Funding options in Connecticut include private pay, Medicaid (HUSKY Health), Medicare, long-term care insurance, and state-specific assistance programs.
Private Pay for Long-Term Care
Paying out-of-pocket, often called private pay, remains one of the most common ways to cover long-term care expenses in Connecticut. This option can be financially demanding, particularly when considering nursing homes or assisted living facilities, which can cost thousands of dollars per month.
To avoid depleting your savings too quickly, it’s wise to plan early with an elder law attorney who can recommend strategies for asset protection and long-term care planning.
Medicaid (HUSKY Health) and the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders
Connecticut’s Medicaid program (HUSKY Health) covers long-term care for individuals who meet specific income and asset limits. One of its key features is the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) – a Medicaid waiver program designed to help eligible seniors receive home-based services. This allows them to delay or even avoid nursing home placement.
Since Medicaid eligibility rules can be complex, working with a legal professional experienced in Medicaid planning can help you preserve assets while securing necessary care.
Medicare Coverage for Long-Term Care
Although Medicare does not typically cover custodial long-term care, it does provide limited benefits for skilled nursing facilities after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three consecutive days. Specifically, Medicare may cover:
- Up to 20 days in a skilled nursing facility at full cost
- An additional 80 days with a daily co-payment
Knowing these limits is crucial so you can supplement your plan with other funding options when necessary. You can learn more about Medicare’s coverage rules directly from the official Medicare website.
Long-Term Care Insurance and the Connecticut Partnership Program
Long-term care insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for extended care needs. However, policies often have exclusions and restrictions.
Connecticut residents may also benefit from the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care, a unique collaboration between the state and private insurers. This program allows policyholders to protect a portion of their assets if they eventually need to apply for Medicaid. More details are available through the State of Connecticut’s Partnership Program.
Additional Long-Term Care Funding Options
Beyond the primary methods, additional ways to pay for long-term care in Connecticut include:
- Veterans’ benefits – Certain programs provide financial assistance for qualifying veterans
- Social Security retirement benefits – Can be used to offset ongoing care costs
- Reverse mortgages – Convert home equity into cash for care expenses
- Life insurance conversions – Transform an existing policy into a long-term care benefit
- Annuities and other private planning tools – Provide structured payouts for care needs
A comprehensive elder law consultation can help determine which combination of options works best for your circumstances.
Need Help with Long-Term Care Planning in Connecticut?
At Farrell & Grochowski, we specialize in elder law, Medicaid planning, personal injury, and asset protection. Whether you are planning for your own future or helping a loved one, our attorneys will guide you through every step to ensure your assets are protected and your care needs are met. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future with confidence.
