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 2022 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
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 Bridgeport area, situated in the western region of Connecticut, is the costliest surveyed region for obtaining assisted living services, with care costs coming in at $6,273 monthly. In the Hartford region, seniors pay $5,225, and in New Haven, rates are lower than the state median at $5,088. In the Norwich region, care costs are the lowest in the state at $4,300. Across state lines, seniors in Providence, Rhode Island, pay $6,063 for care, and in Springfield, Massachusetts, costs are comparable to Connecticut’s median at $5,048. In New York City, New York, assisted living rates are higher at $5,750.
While senior care tends to be a little costlier in Connecticut than in the typical U.S. city, there are multiple care options to choose from to accommodate varying needs and budgets. Adult day health care, which provides daytime services in a community environment, is the cheapest option at $1,842 per month. Assisted living, which provides this care in a residential setting, is costlier at $5,129 but also includes meals and housing. Older adults who obtain care in their own homes pay $5,243 for home care and $5,339 for specialized home health care. Those who need around-the-clock medical monitoring pay the highest rates of $13,764 for shared rooms and $15,170 for private rooms in nursing homes.
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 HUSKY C, seniors must meet financial eligibility criteria. Income limits differ by geographic area. In Region A, which encompasses towns in Southwestern Connecticut, single applicants can have up to $643 in countable income and married applicants can have up to $817. In Regions B and C, which includes Northern, Eastern and Western Connecticut, single applicants can have a net income of up to $532, and married applicants can make up to $708.
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 $2,400.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Connecticut
Applicant
Annual Income Limits
Asset Limits
Single Applicant
$7,716 (Southwest)
$6,384 (North, East and West)
$1,600
Married Couple
$9,804 (Southwest)
$8,496 (North, East and West)
$2,400
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.
Resource
Contact
Description
(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.
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.
(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.
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.
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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
Connecticut seniors have access to numerous state-funded agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide information on long-term care services and ways to pay for them. Through the following resources, seniors can get valuable information on public benefits, community-based services and supports and social and recreational opportunities. Seniors can also obtain financial and legal advice that can help them navigate issues related to transitioning to long-term care.
Resource
Contact
Service
(860) 424-5055
There is a network of five Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut. Each of these independent agencies has a designated service area and provides a range of services to those aged 60 and over. They're staffed with specialists who provide information and referral services to help seniors connect with durable medical equipment loans, Medicare Savings Programs and community-based wellness services. Agencies may also operate senior centers where older adults can participate in social and recreational activities.
(860) 424-5200
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.
(800) 994-9422
CHOICES is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It provides free Medicare options counseling for older adults, which can help them understand their benefits and determine whether a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan is right for them. The program is staffed with volunteers who provide unbiased advice and information on how to protect against Medicare fraud and what to do if a claim is denied. CHOICES counselors can also help seniors review and understand billing statements and resolve errors. All services are confidential.
(860) 616-3600
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits and health care services to qualifying older veterans in the state. Through the DVA, qualifying individuals can apply for admission to the Connecticut Veterans’ Home, which may be an affordable alternative to assisted living. Other benefits they can apply for include motor vehicle waivers, retirement benefits and the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund.
(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.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Connecticut
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including portal.ct.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 3/18/2022, 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.
Visitation Policies
Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?
Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?
Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?
Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?
Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?
Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?
Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Outings & Social Activities
Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?
Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?
Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?
Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?
Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?
*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
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.
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 program outlines the client’s problems and needs, goals and provisions for managing conditions, a record of self-administered medications and how often a registered nurse will supervise assisted living aides to ensure competent care.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
The Department doesn’t specify admission requirements, but facilities are responsible for creating a client’s bill of rights that outlines the circumstances that would require a resident to be discharged. In general, assisted living facilities admit residents whose conditions are chronic and stable as indicated by their physician.
Assisted Living Scope of Care
Assisted living facilities provide skilled nursing services and help with daily living activities and self-administered medications. They serve three meals daily and provide scheduled transportation, housekeeping and maintenance services and social and recreational activities. They may contract with other assisted living facilities, home health care agencies or licensed health care providers to provide skilled nursing services.
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy
Assisted living services in Connecticut are paid for under Medicaid’s Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, Assisted Living Program. While this program doesn’t cover housing expenses, it pays for assisted living services, such as attendant care, one daily meal and housekeeping and laundry services.
Assisted Living Facility Requirements
Assisted living facilities are required to have 24-hour security monitoring systems to protect residents from intruders, along with 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. All medications are stored in the resident’s room.
Staffing Requirements
Assisted living facilities employ a supervisor who’s a resident nurse and employ or contract with at least one resident nurse who’s able to act as a supervisor as needed. While there are no minimum staffing requirements, facilities 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 on-the-job ongoing training for procedures and techniques to meet residents’ needs.
Background Checks for Assisted Living
There are no regulations requiring background checks for employees.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
Assisted living facilities must establish procedures for reporting abuse, neglect, exploitation or lack of respect for residents’ personal property, and they must maintain a complaint log. The facility must investigate complaints promptly and file reports of abuse with the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Protective Services for the Elderly within five days. Anyone who’s not a mandated reporter but suspects abuse, neglect or exploitation may also report to the Department by calling (888) 385-4225.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Assisted Living Facilities Are in Connecticut?
There are 283 assisted living facilities in Connecticut where this type of long-term care costs approximately $5,129 per month, which is slightly higher than the national median of $4,500. The most affordable care in the state is found in Norwich, where residents pay approximately $4,300 per month for services. In New Haven, monthly rates are a little lower than the state median at $5,088, and in Hartford, care costs are slightly higher at $5,225. Bridgeport has the highest monthly rates in the state at $6,273. Read More
Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s Assisted Living Program provides financial assistance to all residents aged 65 or older who require help with activities of daily living and qualify for nursing home-level care. The program has no income limits; however, seniors with incomes over 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are required to contribute to their care costs. In 2023, seniors who make more than $29,160 a year must pay a percentage of their income towards assisted living costs. Additionally, applicants must fall under the asset limits: In 2023, asset limits for individuals and married couples are $44,586 and $59,448, respectively. Read More
Assisted Living Facilities in Connecticut (49)
- Avon, CT (3)
- Bethel, CT (2)
- Bloomfield, CT (4)
- Bridgeport, CT (1)
- Brookfield, CT (2)
- Canaan, CT (1)
- Cheshire, CT (2)
- Danbury, CT (3)
- Darien, CT (3)
- East Hartford, CT (2)
- East Haven, CT (2)
- Fairfield, CT (3)
- Farmington, CT (5)
- Glastonbury, CT (4)
- Greenwich, CT (2)
- Hamden, CT (3)
- Hartford, CT (2)
- Madison, CT (2)
- Manchester, CT (2)
- Meriden, CT (2)
- Middletown, CT (2)
- Mystic, CT (2)
- New Britain, CT (2)
- New Haven, CT (1)
- Newington, CT (2)
- Newtown, CT (2)
- North Haven, CT (2)
- Norwalk, CT (4)
- Norwich, CT (3)
- Orange, CT (2)
- Ridgefield, CT (2)
- Rocky Hill, CT (2)
- Shelton, CT (7)
- South Windsor, CT (4)
- Southbury, CT (2)
- Southport, CT (2)
- Stamford, CT (9)
- Stratford, CT (2)
- Suffield, CT (1)
- Torrington, CT (2)
- Trumbull, CT (2)
- Wallingford, CT (2)
- Waterbury, CT (3)
- Waterford, CT (2)
- Watertown, CT (2)
- West Hartford, CT (6)
- West Haven, CT (2)
- Wilton, CT (3)
- Woodbridge, CT (2)