Home to around 3.6 million, almost 18% of Connecticut’s population is comprised of people aged 65 or above. While overall costs of living are slightly above the U.S. average, health costs are lower than the national average. The state is home to several high-performing hospitals, including Yale New Haven Hospital, which ranks nationally for its geriatrics department.

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Connecticut is $5,129. While higher than the U.S. average, it is one of the most affordable states in New England for this type of long-term care. Connecticut seniors have several possible sources of financial assistance to help cover care costs, including Medicaid and Medicare. Additionally, the state’s lower-than-average sales tax can help older adults stretch funds further.

This guide details costs of long-term care in Connecticut and compares average assisted living prices within cities and with nearby states. It also covers options for financial assistance, including Medicaid and eligibility, and contains a table of useful resources for seniors.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Connecticut?

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Connecticut is $5,129 per month. This is around $629 costlier than the nationwide average of $4,500. In New York, the median monthly rate of $4,580 is on par with national figures. Average fees increase to $6,500 per month in Massachusetts, while seniors in Rhode Island typically pay around $6,826 each month for assisted living.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Connecticut’s Top Cities

Assisted living costs approximately $5,225 per month in the state capital of Hartford. Rates are a little cheaper to the south in New Haven, where assisted living runs around $5,088 per month. Norwich has some of Connecticut’s lowest costs for assisted living, with a monthly median price of $4,300. At the opposite end of the scale, Bridgeport has some of the highest prices, at $6,273 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care

The most affordable type of senior care in Connecticut is adult day health care, which costs roughly $1,842 per month. Nursing home care is the priciest option, with average monthly rates of $13,764 for a semiprivate room. Seniors who opt for additional support to remain at home generally pay around $5,243 per month for homemaker services and $5,339 for a home health aide. At $5,129 per month, residential assisted living is typically a little more affordable.

Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Assisted Living in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s Medicaid program, which is called HUSKY Health, does not directly cover assisted living. Instead, eligible seniors may obtain financial assistance under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) waiver. The program aims to keep those at risk of being institutionalized in the community by the provision of support services. These services may be provided at home or in licensed residential facilities, such as assisted living communities. Funding does not cover the costs of accommodation or meals.

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Connecticut

Via the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), seniors may receive funding for services to enable them to remain in a community setting. Personalized services are available 24/7, bridging the gap for older adults between independent living and nursing facility care. Supportive services generally include assistance with activities of daily living and health care. Room and meal costs are not included. Health and personal care services are provided by assisted living services agencies (ALSAs) to residents of Medicaid-certified managed residential communities (MRC), such as assisted living facilities. MRCs are responsible for providing core services, including maintenance, housekeeping and laundry.   

Seniors must be enrolled in one of four service packages, dependent on their specific care needs. Packages are based on how many hours of personal care an individual needs per week. Each package also includes nursing visits as required. Package provisions include:

• Occasional Personal Service: Between 1 and 3.75 hours of personal services per week
• Limited Personal Service: Between 4 and 8.75 hours of personal services per week
• Moderate Personal Service: Between 9 and 14.75 hours of personal services per week
• Extensive Personal Services: Between 15 and 25 hours of personal services per week

Seniors may need to pay toward the program’s costs, depending on their income and assets.

Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Connecticut

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) waiver is designed to meet the needs of those who cannot live independently but do not need nursing home level of care when additional supports are in place. It covers a range of services, depending on individual needs, which may include:

• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Security
• Help with daily activities, such as washing, dressing and toileting
• Help with instrumental activities of daily living
• Personal care assistance
• Incontinence care
• Emergency transportation
• Assistive technology
• Medication management
• Wellness services
• Nursing visits

To qualify for this waiver, seniors must have functional needs that place them at risk of being institutionalized in a nursing home. Applicants must be 65 or older and permanent residents of Connecticut.

Individuals must also satisfy income and asset requirements. When applying for CHCPE as a Medicaid waiver, an applicant’s permitted maximum yearly income is $30,276. For single applicants and married applicants whose spouse doesn’t claim Medicaid, the asset limit is $1,600. Non-applicant spouses have an enhanced asset limit of $137,400. For dual-applicant couples, the asset limit is doubled to $3,200. Depending on a senior’s financial means, they may need to pay a compulsory 9% copay or applied income payments.

Seniors must request a referral to the program by downloading and completing the relevant referral form. Forms are also available in Spanish. Completed documents should be returned by mail to:

The Department of Social Services, Community Options, 9th floor
55 Farmington Ave
Hartford, CT 06105-3725

Alternatively, referral forms may be faxed to (860) 424-4963.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Connecticut

For regular aged, blind and disabled Medicaid coverage, known as HUSKY C, there are different income and asset limits based on where a claimant lives within Connecticut. For single applicants living in southwest Connecticut, the maximum permitted annual income is $12,624. For those living in other parts of the state, the income limit is $11,292 per year. All have an asset cap of $1,600. Married applicants, whether applying alone or with their spouse, from southwest Connecticut are subject to an income limit of $19,620 and an asset limit of $2,400. Those living in the north, east or west of the state have an income limit of $18,312 and the same asset cap of $2,400.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Connecticut

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$12,624 (Southwest Connecticut)$11,292 (North, East and West Connecticut)	$1,600
Two-Person Household(Only One Person Applying)	$19,620 (Southwest Connecticut)$18,312 (North, East and West Connecticut)	$2,400
Two-Person Household(Both People Applying)	$19,620 (Southwest Connecticut)$18,312 (North, East and West Connecticut)	$2,400

*per year

Additional eligibility requirements also apply. Claimants must:

• Be aged 65 or above, blind or disabled
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or qualifying legal alien
• Live permanently in Connecticut on a full-time basis
• Have a functional need for nursing home level of care

Applying for Medicaid in Connecticut

Individuals under the age of 65 applying for Husky D can apply online via the Access Health CT portal. Those who are aged 65 and above, disabled or blind and applying for Husky C can apply online through the ConneCT portal. Alternatively, individuals may call the DSS Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 to request a paper application form to be sent to their home address. Completed forms should be returned to their local DSS office. Applicants can also visit one of the 12 DSS offices to complete an in-person application.

Before You Apply

Before submitting a Medicaid claim, applicants should ensure they have all verification and supporting documents in hand. Without the necessary information, claims may not be processed. Details include:

• Proof of identification
• Social Security number
• Proof of Connecticut residency
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Up-to-date bank statements
• List of all countable assets
• Proof of all income
• Information about health insurance policies
• Information about spouse’s income, assets and housing costs for married claimants

Individuals applying for funding toward assisted living costs will need to have a medical evaluation.

Where to Go to Get Help

There are several avenues for Medicaid-related advice and assistance for Connecticut seniors. Resources include:

Resource	Contact	Service
Department of Social Services	In-person	Individuals can visit one of 12 local DSS field offices between 8:00 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for in-person assistance. Advisers can provide general information and help with completing application forms.
DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center	(855) 626-6632	Individuals can call the automated information line 24/7 for general information based on voice-activated requests. Helpline advisers are available all weekdays except Wednesday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Benefits Center staff can provide detailed information about Medicaid, check eligibility and advise on how to apply for financial aid.
American Council on Aging	Online Form	The American Council on Aging’s website features in-depth information about Medicaid for seniors, including income and asset limits for different programs. Individuals can check their eligibility for free by completing an online form, and the organization connects seniors with local Medicaid planners for further assistance.

Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Assisted Living in Connecticut?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Connecticut. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not considered to be “clinical settings’ and so are not eligible for Medicare coverage. That being said, you can still use Medicare to cover the cost of approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc.

For more information about Medicare visit medicare.gov.

Are There Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Connecticut?

	How to Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Apply online at va.gov.	If you are a veteran and you receive a VA pension, you may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit takes the form of a monthly cash allowance that you receive in addition to your standard pension. This benefit is used by veterans who need long-term care services, including care received at an assisted living facility.
Reverse Mortgages	Research and learn about the different types at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to access some of the equity in your home. Like traditional loans, reverse mortgages do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months, so seniors should carefully weigh this option alongside other financing methods.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn about how to receive LTC insurance benefits at acl.gov.	While those who currently need assisted living will typically not be eligible, if you purchased an LTC insurance policy in the past, you may be able to use it to help pay for assisted living. While most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, you still need to check the specific terms of your policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Connecticut

Older adults in Connecticut can access diverse free and low-cost services and programs. Resources include benefits advice, financial assistance, options counseling, caregiver support, transportation assistance and wellness programs.

Resource	Contact	Service
Community Choices	(800) 994-9422	Community Choices is Connecticut’s Aging and Disability Resource Center. A first-point information center for older and disabled individuals, seniors can connect with programs such as benefits counseling, options advice and transition services.
Area Agencies on Aging	Location Dependent	Connecticut’s five Area Agencies on Aging serve people aged 60 and above. Programs range from practical assistance, such as case management, benefits counseling and financial advice, to those designed to support elder well-being, such as nutritional guidance, social activities and fitness classes.
Senior Medicare Patrol	(800) 994-9422	Through its network of trained volunteers, Connecticut’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) teaches seniors how to identify Medicare mistakes, fraud and abuse. Counselors can help Medicare recipients understand bills, organize medical paperwork and report scams. Individuals may also opt to become an SMP volunteer to advise other seniors and raise public awareness.
Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut	(800) 453-3320	Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provides confidential free legal assistance to low-income individuals and people aged 60 and above. The website contains self-help guides on diverse topics, and helpline advisers can provide assistance with civil law matters such as consumer affairs, powers of attorney and benefits claims and appeals. The phone line is staffed between 9:00 a.m. and noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. each weekday.
The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care	(860) 418-6318	Operated by the State of Connecticut in collaboration with private insurance companies, The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care provides impartial information about long-term care funding options and offers individuals competitive insurance coverage without the fear of depleting all assets throughout retirement.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program	(866) 388-1888	Working with residents of long-term residential care facilities and their family members, Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program protects residents’ rights and ensures levels of care meet requirements. Ombudsmen provide information to individuals, advocate on behalf of seniors to resolve issues and investigate complaints about assisted living facilities and other residential care homes.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Connecticut

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including ct.gov/DPH. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/2/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visiting Loved Ones

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?	Yes
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?	Not Available*
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?	Yes
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?	Yes
Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Outings and Group Activities

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?	Not Available*
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?	Not Available*
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Safety Measures for Residents

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?	Not Available*
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?	Not Available*
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?	Not Available*
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?	Yes

*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Connecticut

The Facility Licensing and Investigations Section (FLIS) of Connecticut’s Department of Public Health is responsible for the licensing and regulation of assisted living facilities and service agencies across the state. The department sets strict rules and regulations that service providers must adhere to.