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Assisted Living in Connecticut
The New England state of Connecticut is home to a large senior community that makes up nearly 18% of the population of 3.6 million people, promoting access to community-based services and long-term care options. It ranks 34th overall on the 2024 Senior Living Report based on its senior housing options, access to transportation, affordability and health care amenities. The state ranks highest in the Health Care category, coming in 6th in the nation. Older adults have access to world-class medical facilities, such as Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital.
Connecticut also has numerous assisted living facilities to meet the needs of its growing senior population. On average, older adults in this state pay $5,129 per month for assisted living, which is high compared to the state median but affordable relative to rates in nearby states.
This comprehensive assisted living guide provides more information on assisted living costs in Connecticut, including how much care costs in major cities and how rates compare to other senior care types. It highlights options for paying for care, including Medicaid and other financial assistance options within the state, and provides an overview of resources available to seniors, as well as some of the regulations assisted living facilities in Connecticut follow.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Connecticut
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of assisted living in Connecticut and its 32 cities.
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, which lists senior care cost data in communities across the country, seniors in Connecticut pay $5,129 per month for assisted living services. This is about $600 more than the national rate of $4,500. Despite this, local care costs are among the lowest in the region, with only New York having more competitively priced assisted living services at $4,580 per month. By comparison, in New Jersey and Massachusetts, rates are well over $1,000 higher at $6,495 and $6,500, respectively, and in Rhode Island, care costs average $6,826.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Connecticut's Top Cities
Assisted living costs in Connecticut vary depending on the city. In Fairfield, seniors pay $5,443 per month, while those in Stamford pay one of the lowest rates in the state at $3,860. Prices are higher in West Hartford, where assisted living costs $5,692, and in Mystic, which offers care for $5,731.
Connecticut
$5,919
Fairfield
$5,443
Stamford
$3,860
West Hartford
$5,692
Mystic
$5,731
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Connecticut
Due to inflation, assisted living costs in Connecticut continue to rise. Between 2022 and 2023, prices increased by 15.6% from $5,122 to $5,919. This is a higher increase than the U.S. average, which rose by 9.6%, bringing costs to $4,459 in 2023. Meanwhile, neighboring states are showing mixed results from inflation. Massachusetts experienced an increase of 7.6%, and Rhode Island's costs rose by 6.2%. While prices in New York increased by 14.9%, New Jersey saw a decrease of 11.6%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $5,122 | $5,919 | $6,129 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Massachusetts | $5,202 | $5,599 | $6,393 |
| Rhode Island | $4,706 | $4,997 | $5,065 |
| New York | $4,091 | $4,699 | $5,431 |
| New Jersey | $5,857 | $5,175 | $5,992 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Prices in Connecticut also vary depending on the care type. While assisted living costs $5,919 per month, seniors pay a higher rate for memory care at $7,257, but a lower price for independent living at $3,187. Factors such as level of care, amenities and specialized services can impact costs.
Assisted Living
$5,919
Memory Care
$7,257
Independent Living
$3,187
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Connecticut?
HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid program, provides health insurance coverage to qualifying individuals within the state. Connecticut has an expanded Medicaid program that’s available to everyone who meets financial guidelines, regardless of their age. The state’s special Medicaid program for seniors and those with disabilities is called HUSKY C.
While HUSKY Health has long-term care coverage for those in skilled nursing facilities, it doesn’t cover assisted living services directly. Instead, it pays for services under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, which contains the Assisted Living Program.
What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Connecticut?
The Assisted Living Services Program covers personalized assistance, around-the-clock supportive services and health care services to meet the needs of those in long-term community-based care. This program is for those who need help with daily living activities but not the intensive services provided in nursing homes. Depending on the individual’s income and assets, they may be required to pay a 9% cost share or applied income.
The Assisted Living Services Program contains four service packages that participants are enrolled in, depending on their needs. These include:
- Occasional Personal Service: 1-3.75 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
- Limited Personal Service: 4-8.75 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
- Moderate Personal Service: 9-14.75 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
- Extensive Personal Services: 15-25 hours per week of personal care, plus nursing visits as needed
These services are provided in state-funded assisted living facilities that accept payment from Medicaid. The waiver doesn’t cover room and board.
Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders
CHCPE’s Assisted Living Services Program is for those who aren’t able to live independently but don’t need the high degree of care nursing homes provide. While this waiver doesn’t pay for housing costs, it does provide coverage for services, such as housekeeping and laundry, one meal daily and 24-hour security. Qualifying individuals may receive expanded core services, which include wellness and prevention services, emergency transportation, care transitions, chronic disease self-management and assistive technology.
To be eligible for the Assisted Living Services Program, individuals must be at least 65 years old, residents of Connecticut and meet financial eligibility requirements. Single applicants may have a monthly gross income of up to $2,523 and up to $1,600 in countable assets. If the applicant is married, only their income and assets are considered. Applicants must also be at risk of nursing home placement, meaning they need help with essential daily activities, such as bathing, toileting, taking medication and dressing.
To apply for the Assisted Living Services program, individuals can visit the ConneCT website. To obtain a paper application, seniors can download and print one online or call the Department of Social Services Client Information Line and Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 and ask for a mailed application. Completed applications should be mailed or submitted in-person to a Department of Social Services field office.
How To Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut
To qualify for coverage, seniors must meet financial eligibility criteria. Income limits for individual applicants is $2,742 per month and $5,484 for married couples who are both applying.
These income limits don’t include unearned income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions and interest from investments. In addition to these income limits, single applicants may have up to $409 in unearned income and married applicants may have up to $818. Seniors must also meet asset limits to qualify for Medicaid. Single applicants may have up to $1,600 in countable assets, and married couples may have up to $3,200 if both are applying. For married couples where only one spouse is applying, the non-applicant spouse may have up to $148,620 in assets.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $1,600 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $1,600 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808 | $3,200 |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut
Individuals may print out a paper application or request one over the phone by calling the Department of Social Services Client Information Line and Benefits Center at (855) 626-6632 and requesting a mailed application. Once they fill out the application, they can submit it in person or mail it to their nearest Department of Social Services field office. Alternatively, they can submit an application online through the ConneCT website.
Information You Will Need
To ensure a hassle-free application process, there are several pieces of information individuals should have on hand. These include:
- Proof of age and residency
- Verification of gross income, including income from employment, veterans’ benefits, pensions and withdrawals from retirement accounts
- Verification of assets
- Bank account information
- Social Security number
- Life insurance policy
- Prepaid funeral contract
- Marital status
- Verification of deductions, including medical premiums
- If married, verification of spouse’s income, asset and shelter costs
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
There are several programs available to help Medicaid beneficiaries get the most from their coverage. Through the following resources, individuals can get more information about long-term care coverage, how to apply for services and what to do if services are denied.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center | (855) 626-6632 | The DSS Client Information Line and Benefits Center features an interactive voice-response telephone system that helps individuals obtain important information about applying for Medicaid and following up on applications. The service also has a staffed Benefits Center with live agents who answer questions about coverage, process change requests and connect callers with other resources. |
| Connecticut Medical Assistance Program | Online Only | The Connecticut Medical Assistance Program houses HUSKY Health and the Assisted Living Services Program. Through this website, visitors can get more information on beneficiaries’ rights and health care providers in their region, as well as up-to-date information on policy changes that may affect their coverage. |
| Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services | (860) 424-5055 | The Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services uses a No Wrong Door system to help older adults connect with the benefits and services they need. This department connects older adults with information specialists who help them determine whether they qualify for Medicaid and navigate the enrollment process. |
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Connecticut?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Connecticut. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Connecticut.
Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Connecticut
The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders is a state Medicaid waiver, but it's available to non-Medicaid-eligible seniors as well. It pays for some nursing care, whether short term or long term. This is the only way Medicaid funding is distributed for assisted living within the state. The idea is to reduce the number of seniors going into long-term nursing care when they could live in a non-nursing home.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Connecticut
- 65 or older
- Need help with the activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing or eating, and they must need short- or long-term nursing care. This includes the non-specialized care that's typically included with assisted living programs.
- Have total assets of less than $1,600, ignoring excluded assets. Married couples must have assets of less than $3,200.
- Have income below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Those who are eligible for Medicaid are typically automatically eligible for the program. Those who are not eligible for Medicaid do not have any hard limits on income, but those who have income above 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines must contribute a portion of their income.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, Seniors applying for this program must fill out Form W-1487 and mail it to the address on the bottom of the form. Alternatively, they can fax it to the number given. A local Connecticut Area Agency on Aging office may also be able to help if you need assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Currently, this program is only available at a limited number of sites. It's essential that you verify whether your choice accepts this form of payment or whether you need to consider other options. Some may offer lower-rate options for seniors with low or very low incomes.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Connecticut
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Connecticut
There are many resources in Connecticut that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging | Connecticut's network of Area Agencies on Aging provides a wide range of free services and programs to enhance the quality of life for seniors. Practical support includes assistance applying for public benefits, information about long-term care options, medical transportation, health insurance counseling and caregiver support. Home-delivered meal programs and congregate meal sites ensure older adults have access to nutritious food. Various initiatives, including exercise classes, fall prevention workshops, preventative health screenings and respite care, foster senior well-being and independence. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Connecticut provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Connecticut seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut 211 - Food Pantry | 800-203-1234 | Connecticut 211 is a state information line that connects people in need of groceries with agencies and assistance programs that offer short-term assistance with food. Food banks throughout the state have their own eligibility requirements, which usually include income limits and proof of residency. Home delivered meals are available for homebound seniors who are unable to drive or prepare their own meals. These same organizations also deliver to senior day care sites and provide holidays meals. |
| Connecticut Elderly Nutrition Program | The Elderly Nutrition Program in Connecticut is a state food-assistance program that provides meals at community locations throughout the state, including senior centers, housing facilities for older adults, schools, churches and similar settings. It also offers home-delivered meals for isolated or homebound seniors age 60 and older who meet state and federal eligibility, including those who are low income, live in rural locations, have limited English proficiency or are at risk of losing their independence. | |
| Connecticut Meals on Wheels | Connecticut Meals on Wheels is a diverse program serving seniors throughout the state with healthy, delicious, home-cooked meals at their residences and community meal sites nearby. Eligible residents have diminished mobility, making shopping for food and preparing meals challenging. The nutritious food meets dietary needs and follows cultural and ethnic requirements. The program is available on a sliding fee scale that varies from no cost to full price, depending on income. | |
| Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Connecticut's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides eligible older adults with electronic benefits transfer cards they can use in participating local stores |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Connecticut collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Embrace Hope Expect Change - The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter | 203-874-5050 | Older adults in Connecticut can contact Embrace Hope Expect Change to access a wide range of free or lowcost medical equipment. Provisions include shower chairs, raised toilet seats, canes, crutches and manual wheelchairs. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Connecticut seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut HUSKY C | 800-842-2159 | All seniors aged over 65 are entitled to health care insurance and prescription drug coverage from Medicaid through Connecticut's HUSKY C program. Benefits include some dental and doctor's care, most prescription drugs, home care, hospital care, nursing home care and foreign language interpreter services. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Connecticut have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Home Modification and Repair Services | 203-785-8533 | Connecticut Area Agency on Aging offers a Home Modification Repair Services program that provides free home modifications that allow seniors to stay independent at home more safely. This assistance may offer the addition of grab bars and handrails in the bathroom, or it may include modifications to make a home more accessible to a senior in a wheelchair. These may include ramps or widening hallways and doorways. Seniors can also apply to receive help paying for minor repairs. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Connecticut seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program | 866-388-1888 | The Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps individuals access the information they need to obtain quality care in long-term care facilities. Through the ombudsman, residents can learn about their rights and find out what to do if they're not getting the services in their care plans. The ombudsman can work to solve complaints on behalf of residents and families and connect individuals with local resident and family councils, when available. They can also investigate concerns of abuse and neglect and file reports with the appropriate authorities. |
| Connecticut Statewide Legal Services | 800-453-3320 | Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut has legal professionals who help older adults aged 60 and over navigate civil legal matters, including wills and assigning powers of attorney. The organization can help individuals apply for public benefits that may help cover assisted living expenses, including Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid. Services are free and confidential. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Connecticut help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Connecticut resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Elderly/Disabled (Circuit Breaker) Tax Relief Program | 860-418-6290 | Seniors in Connecticut can access up to $1,000 for a single household or $1,250 for dual households for property tax relief. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Connecticut retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) | The CEAP helps low-income Connecticans heat their homes. In general, it covers heating bills from $410 to $1,015, depending on household size, income, and whether or not a vulnerable person lives there. |
Veteran's Services
Connecticut retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut VA Benefits and Health Care | Connecticut's VA Benefits and Health Care offers services designed to support qualified senior veterans. The main medical center is in West Haven, with additional health clinics throughout the state, including in Danbury, Waterbury and Stamford. Services provided to veterans include medical care, disability benefits, in-home care, assistance with daily living activities, home-delivered meals, adult day care and assistive technology through the Veteran's Directed Care Program. Eligible veterans are those who are 65 years or older. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Connecticut
In Connecticut, assisted living facilities are regulated by the Department of Public Health, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section. This department enforces a range of regulations to ensure a high standard of care for all residents. The following table features some key regulations that all assisted living facilities in Connecticut follow.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements | Within seven days of a new resident’s admission, a registered nurse must consult with the individual, their family and others involved in their care to create a personalized client service program. This written service plan outlines the resident’s care needs, provisions for managing health conditions, a record of medications, and how often interventions are needed. The service plan must be reviewed at least once every 120 days. |
| Assisted Living Admission Requirements | The Department doesn’t specify any statewide admission requirements. Admission requirements for managed residential communities vary widely, and they tend to depend on the type of care the community delivers and to whom. The community must have written admissions criteria that don't screen out potential applicants whose needs might be met by the available services. They also cannot create burdensome restrictions. |
| Assisted Living Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities provide assistance with the activities of daily living, medication management, three daily meals, housekeeping and maintenance services, transportation services, and social and recreational activities. They do not provide skilled nursing care but may contract with care agencies or licensed health care providers to provide such services. Residents can also contract external providers to deliver these services. |
| Assisted Living Medicaid Policy | Eligible assisted living services in Connecticut are covered under Medicaid’s Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, Assisted Living Program. While this program doesn’t cover housing expenses, it pays for personal care services. The program is limited in scope, and many eligible seniors end up on a waiting list before they can access benefits. |
| Assisted Living Facility Requirements | Assisted living facilities are required to have emergency call systems in each resident unit, on-site laundry facilities and common areas spacious enough to accommodate up to 50% of residents at a time. They must also have enough dining space for all residents. |
| Medication Management Regulations | Assisted living aides can assist with self-administered medications. This includes reminding the resident to take their medication, verifying they’ve done so and helping them open medication containers. A licensed nurse may pre-pour or administer medications under the written order of the resident’s doctor. |
| Staffing Requirements | Assisted living facilities employ a resident nurse supervisor. While there are no minimum staffing requirements, ALFs must have enough staff on-site at all times to attend to scheduled and unscheduled needs, and an RN must be available on call at all times. A 24-hour awake staff is only necessary if required by residents’ care plans. |
| Staff Training Requirements | All staff must complete a 10-hour orientation that covers topics, such as regulations and facility policies. Aides must complete competency exams and at least six hours annually of continuing education programs. |
| Background Checks for Assisted Living | There are no regulations requiring background checks for employees. However, communities may administer background checks at their discretion. |
| Requirements for Reporting Abuse | ALFs must investigate complaints of abuse or exploitation promptly and file reports of abuse with the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Protective Services for the Elderly within 72 hours and must notify the department if they have reason to believe a senior needs protective services. Failure to report elder abuse can result in fines and jail time. |
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