How Connecticut Families Use Medicaid for Home Care

The Short Version: What Medicaid Covers for Home Care in CT

Connecticut has several Medicaid-funded programs that help older adults and people with disabilities receive care in their own homes rather than in a facility. The most important of these for Manchester families is the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, known as CHCPE.

These programs do not pay for everything, and they come with eligibility requirements. But for families who qualify, they can dramatically reduce the cost of home care — sometimes covering it entirely.

This guide explains the main programs, how they work, and how to start the process in Hartford County.

CHCPE: Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders is a Medicaid-funded waiver program administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. It allows eligible older adults to receive home care services instead of entering a nursing facility, using Medicaid dollars to pay for in-home support.

Who Qualifies for CHCPE

To qualify for CHCPE, a person generally must meet all of the following:

Age: 65 or older (some provisions for younger adults with disabilities)

Residency: Connecticut resident

Care needs: Must require a level of care that would otherwise require nursing facility placement — assessed by a DSS care coordinator through a needs evaluation

Financial eligibility: Income and asset limits apply. Connecticut uses a modified income test for CHCPE. As of 2026, the income limit for the standard program tier is tied to a percentage of the federal poverty level. Asset limits also apply. A Medicaid planning attorney or your local Area Agency on Aging can help assess whether your loved one qualifies.

It is worth noting that eligibility criteria and income limits change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Connecticut DSS.

What CHCPE Typically Pays For

CHCPE covers a range of home care services, including:

• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility)
• Homemaking services (meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry)
• Companion services
• Adult day programs
• Home-delivered meals
• Medical social work services
• Some assistive equipment

The specific services and number of hours authorized depend on the care needs assessment. A care coordinator from DSS determines what services will be covered for your loved one.

Medicaid Waivers Beyond CHCPE

CHCPE is the most commonly used program for home care among older adults in Connecticut, but it is not the only Medicaid path.

The ABI Waiver (Acquired Brain Injury Waiver) serves adults with acquired brain injuries who need supported living in the community. Eligible individuals must be under 65 at the time of application and require an institutional level of care.

The PCA (Personal Care Assistance) Waiver allows eligible Medicaid recipients with physical disabilities to hire and manage their own personal care attendants through a consumer-directed model. This gives participants more control over who provides their care.

Both programs have their own eligibility criteria and waiting lists. The CHCPE is generally the relevant program for Hartford County families with older adults seeking home care.

How to Apply: The Real-World Steps

The CHCPE application process takes time. Understanding the steps in advance helps families plan realistically.

Step 1: Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can call DSS directly or reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging, which serves as a resource and sometimes facilitates referrals. In Hartford County, the Central CT Area Agency on Aging (CCAAA) is a helpful starting point.

Step 2: Financial eligibility screening. DSS will review income and asset documentation. This is often the step where a Medicaid planning attorney is most useful, particularly if the family has questions about asset limits or spousal protection rules.

Step 3: Care needs assessment. A DSS care coordinator will visit the home and conduct a functional assessment. This determines whether your loved one's care needs meet the level required for CHCPE, and what services will be authorized.

Step 4: Authorization and agency selection. Once approved, your loved one will be authorized for a specific set of services. You then select a Medicaid-approved home care agency to deliver those services.

Timing: The CHCPE application process can take weeks to months from initial application to first service. If your loved one needs care immediately, private pay care with a licensed agency is often the fastest way to begin, with the possibility of transitioning to CHCPE once approved.

Choosing a Medicaid-Approved Agency in Manchester

Not all home care agencies in Connecticut accept CHCPE or other Medicaid programs. When you are selecting an agency for a loved one who is using or applying for CHCPE, make sure the agency is a licensed State Medicaid Provider.

Careplus Home Care is a State Medicaid Provider licensed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection under license number HCA.0001825. We accept CHCPE funding and can work directly with the DSS-authorized care plan to deliver services for eligible clients in Manchester, Glastonbury, East Hartford, and across Hartford County.

Choosing a Medicaid-approved agency means you do not have to pay out of pocket while waiting for authorization — and that the agency is already familiar with the documentation and reporting requirements the program requires.

Common Questions Manchester Families Ask Us

Can my parent apply for CHCPE while receiving private pay home care? Yes. Many families begin with private pay care and apply for CHCPE simultaneously. Once approved, the Medicaid coverage can take over, often reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket costs.

What if the CHCPE wait time is too long? The program does not always have a waiting list, but demand can create delays. In the meantime, private pay care through a licensed agency is the best way to ensure your loved one is receiving help without waiting.

Does CHCPE cover live-in care? CHCPE typically covers hourly personal care and companion services based on the authorized number of hours. Live-in care as a 24/7 arrangement is generally covered under nursing facility placement, not CHCPE. However, the number of authorized daily hours can be substantial for individuals with higher needs.

What if my parent does not qualify financially? Private pay and long-term care insurance remain strong options. A care coordinator at Careplus can help you understand all available payment pathways for your specific situation.

Call Careplus at 860-341-3268 to learn more about how we work with CHCPE and other Connecticut programs to deliver home care for Manchester families.