What Insurance Covers for Elder Care in Connecticut
A plain-English guide to help you understand what's covered — and what's not.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65+. It covers many medical expenses, but does not cover most long-term care needs.
What Medicare Covers
What Medicare Does NOT Cover
📌 Important: Medicare is designed for short-term medical needs—not ongoing care support.
Medicaid (Connecticut)
Medicaid in Connecticut (HUSKY Health) provides comprehensive coverage for long-term care for those who meet financial and care eligibility requirements.
What Medicaid Can Help Cover in CT
Important Considerations
📌 Important: Many families must plan ahead or consider a Medicaid spend-down strategy, often with guidance from an elder law attorney.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If your parent has a long-term care insurance policy, it can be one of the most valuable ways to help cover care costs. Coverage varies significantly by policy.
What Policies Often Cover
📌 Important: Coverage depends on the specific policy, including daily or monthly benefit limits, waiting (elimination) periods, and maximum benefit duration. Most policies require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or a cognitive impairment to qualify for benefits.
VA Benefits (Veterans)
If your parent is a veteran (or surviving spouse), they may qualify for Aid & Attendance, a VA benefit that provides additional monthly income to help pay for care.
What It Can Help Cover
📌 Important: Benefit amounts can exceed $1,000–$2,000+ per month, depending on eligibility. Must meet service, medical, and financial criteria. This benefit is underutilized but highly valuable.