Husky is Connecticut's Medicaid program for people with low to moderate income

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 who meet income limits. The program is free or very low cost depending on which Husky plan you're in and your household income.

Husky has several different plans — some for children, some for adults, some for pregnant people, and some for seniors. Which plan you can join depends on your age, income, and whether you're pregnant or disabled. You don't choose Husky the way you'd choose a private insurance company; instead, you contact Connecticut's Department of Social Services to find out which Husky plan you may be able to join.

The program is run by the state of Connecticut, not by a private insurance company. That means your coverage rules, costs, and the doctors you can see are all set by state policy, not by a business trying to make a profit.

Key Takeaways

  • Husky covers medical, dental, prescription, and mental health services for Connecticut residents with income below certain thresholds that vary by age and family size.
  • Different Husky plans exist for children, pregnant people, working adults, and seniors, and the one you can join depends on your specific situation.
  • You contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services to find out which Husky plan fits your circumstances, not a private insurance company.
  • Most Husky plans are free; some charge small copays for doctor visits or prescriptions depending on which plan you're in.

The different Husky plans and who they cover

Husky A is for children under 19 and for pregnant and postpartum people. Husky B covers working adults whose income is above the limit for Husky A but still low enough to may have access to. Husky C is for seniors and people who are blind or disabled. Husky D covers people who are medically needy — meaning they have high medical bills that bring their income below the limit even if they normally earn too much.

Each plan has different income cutoffs. A single adult might not may have access to for Husky A but could may have access to for Husky B. A family of four has different limits than a family of two. The Connecticut Department of Social Services website lists the current income limits for each plan, and they change once a year.

When you contact the department, you'll tell them your age, income, family size, and whether you're pregnant or disabled. They'll tell you which plan, if any, you may be able to join. You don't get to pick — the plan you're in is determined by your situation.

What Husky covers

All Husky plans cover doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency room care, and lab tests. They cover prescription medications, though some plans require you to pay a small amount per prescription. Dental care is covered for children under 21 and for adults in some plans. Mental health visits and substance use treatment are covered.

Husky also covers vision care, including eye exams and glasses for children. Maternity care and delivery are fully covered for pregnant people. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and home health care are covered when medically necessary.

What you pay out of pocket depends on which Husky plan you're in. Husky A (for children and pregnant people) is usually free with no copays. Husky B and C may charge small copays — typically a few dollars per doctor visit or prescription — but the exact amount varies. Husky D may have higher costs because it's designed for people with significant medical expenses.

How to learn about you can join Husky

Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can call their customer service line, visit their office in person, or explore online through their website. When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (like a recent pay stub or tax return), and proof of residency (like a utility bill) ready.

The department will ask about your household size, income, age, and whether you're pregnant or disabled. Based on your answers, they'll tell you which Husky plan you may be able to join. If you may have access to, they'll walk you through the next steps.

The process usually takes a few weeks. Once you're approved, you'll receive a Husky card in the mail. You use this card when you see a doctor or fill a prescription to show you have coverage.

Finding doctors and dentists who accept Husky

Not every doctor or dentist accepts Husky. When you get your Husky card, you'll receive a directory of providers in your area who do accept it. You can also search the Connecticut Department of Social Services website to find doctors, dentists, and hospitals near you that take Husky.

Some Husky plans require you to choose a primary care doctor — a regular doctor who coordinates your care. Other plans let you see any doctor who accepts Husky without choosing one first. Your Husky card or the materials you receive when you're approved will explain which applies to your plan.

If you need a specialist — like a cardiologist or dermatologist — you may need a referral from your primary care doctor first, depending on your plan. The provider directory will tell you which doctors are in your plan's network.

What happens if your income changes

If your income goes up, you may no longer may have access to for Husky. If it goes down, you might may have access to for a different Husky plan with lower costs. You're required to report changes in income to the Connecticut Department of Social Services within 10 days.

If you get a job or your hours increase, tell the department right away. They'll recalculate your may be able to access. You might move to a plan with small copays, or you might lose Husky coverage entirely. If you lose coverage, you may be able to buy private insurance through the state's health insurance marketplace.

If your income drops, contact the department to see if you may have access to for a different Husky plan or if you can stay in the plan you're in. Reporting changes quickly prevents problems later — like being asked to pay back money if the department discovers you were in the wrong plan.

Husky coverage while you're pregnant and after birth

Pregnant people can join Husky A regardless of income in some cases, or through Husky B if their income is low enough. Husky covers all prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for up to 60 days after birth. This includes doctor visits, ultrasounds, hospital delivery, and follow-up appointments.

If you're pregnant and not currently on Husky, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services to see if you can join. Pregnancy is one of the situations where income limits may be higher or more flexible than for other adults.

After your baby is born, your baby is automatically covered by Husky for the first year of life if you're on Husky. After that first year, your baby's coverage depends on your income and family size. The department will tell you what happens to your baby's coverage as they get older.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything for Husky coverage?

Husky A (for children and pregnant people) is free with no copays. Husky B and C charge small copays — usually a few dollars per doctor visit or prescription — but the exact amount depends on your plan and income. Husky D may have higher costs. You don't pay a monthly premium for any Husky plan.

What if I need to see a doctor who doesn't accept Husky?

You can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an out-of-network provider, and Husky may cover it if it's medically necessary and no in-network provider can help you. You'll need to get approval from Husky before the visit. Call the number on your Husky card to ask.

Can I keep Husky if I start working?

It depends on how much you earn. Husky B is designed for working people with low income. If your earnings go above the limit for your plan, you'll lose coverage. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services to find out the income limit for your situation before you start a job.

How do I renew my Husky coverage?

Husky coverage is renewed once a year. The Connecticut Department of Social Services will send you a notice before your coverage expires, telling you what to do. You'll need to confirm your income and household information. If you don't respond by the important date, your coverage will end.

What if I move out of Connecticut?

Husky only works in Connecticut. If you move to another state, your coverage will end. You'll need to look into that state's Medicaid program or other health insurance options. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services before you move to understand your options.