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Will my estate need to pay for Medicaid in Connecticut?

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2022 | ELDER LAW - Medicaid Planning

Connecticut offers two types of Medicaid for seniors. HUSKY part C covers people age 55 and older who need long-term care while HUSKY part D covers those between 19 and 64 who do not have dependent children and fall below 138% of the federal poverty level. Connecticut is one of the few states to use a fee-for-service delivery system to deliver medical care to seniors. Under the Affordable Care Act, after your death, Medicaid can recoup some of the money they spent for your care depending on different criteria.

Married

If you are married, Connecticut will wait to recoup its money until after the spouse dies in most cases.

Part of State-administered General Assistance Fund

If you were a part of the State-administered General Assistance Fund (SAGA), the state will try to collect its money from your estate. It may start efforts while you are still alive by placing a lien on your home. They may also make a claim against your assets. The state will only try to recover money if you receive long-term care regardless of age or in a community setting for those 55 and older. Therefore, it is especially important that these individuals participate in Medicaid planning.

Part of HUSKY

if you started receiving Medicaid after the state put HUSKY into effect, the state will not attempt to recoup money spent on your care in a community setting. Your estate might have a lien put against it if you received long-term care, such as in a nursing home. They have dropped trying to recover funds from those who receive community-based care.

The state offers Medicaid for seniors who need care, but your estate may have to pay for that care after your or your spouse’s death.