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Nursing Homes in Connecticut
Home to over 3.5 million people as of 2019, the state of Connecticut is welcoming to seniors. A robust system of senior services makes it an appealing place to retire, and 17.6% of the population is aged 65 and older. That’s a total of 629,032 seniors living within the state.
Seniors who retire to Connecticut have a number of options for care, but sometimes they need more than can be provided at home. Nursing home facilities provide around-the-clock nursing care for elderly and frail seniors who need additional supportive services. Families seeking nursing home care in Connecticut can expect to pay an average of $12,927 per month for a semiprivate room and $13,992 for a private room, based on data from the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
This guide provides nursing facility cost data and comparisons with other types of care, information about financial assistance options to help pay for nursing home care, some free resources for seniors and an overview of the rules and regulations governing Connecticut nursing homes.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Connecticut
Connecticut families considering nursing home care for their elderly loved ones will find that the cost of care in the Connecticut is much higher than in surrounding states. For a semiprivate room, Connecticut families pay an average of $12,927 a month according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This is over $4,000 higher than the cost in Rhode Island, which is $8,669. It’s much closer but still higher than the cost in Massachusetts where families pay an average of $12,623. New York falls just below that at $12,319. All of these New England states have costs well above the national average of $7,756.
Connecticut averages $12,927 a month for nursing home care in a semiprivate room, but that cost will vary from one area of the state to the next and based on the amenities of the community. In Hartford, for instance, you can expect to pay around $13,079, but in New Haven, it’s lower at $12,395. In Norwich, the average is $12,463. The highest cost is found in Bridgeport, which has a monthly average of $14,113. Across the Rhode Island state line in Providence, families can expect to pay around $9,733.
Connecticut
$12927
New Haven
$12395
Norwich
$12463
Hartford
$13079
Bridgeport
$14113
Providence, RI
$9733
While some families find that nursing home care is best for their loved one’s needs, there are other care options available in Connecticut. For those who wish to remain at home, homemaker services cost an average of $4,576 a month, while home health care, which includes some basic medical care services, costs about $200 more at $4,767. If you choose assisted living care, you should plan to pay $6,300. The most affordable option is adult day care, which averages $1,874 per month in Connecticut.
Nursing Home Care
$12927
Home Care
$4576
Home Health Care
$4767
Assisted Living Care
$6300
Adult Day Care
$1874
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, over 960,800 residents receive Medicaid benefits. The federally funded program pays the cost of skilled nursing care and living accommodations. Assistive devices, including wheelchairs and eyeglasses, and various types of rehabilitation therapies are also covered by Medicaid.
According to the state’s Department of Public Health, there are over 200 nursing homes in Connecticut that accept Medicaid. Seniors who qualify for nursing home placement may also qualify for home- and community-based service (HCBS) waivers to receive skilled nursing care at home or in a residential setting.
Medicaid Eligibility in Connecticut
When applying for Medicaid, seniors must have income and assets lower than the predetermined limit, in addition to the need for skilled nursing or hospital-level care.
For seniors in Connecticut to qualify for Medicaid, they must have a monthly income that is less than the cost of nursing home care (with the exclusion of a personal needs allowance of $75 per month and Medicare premiums, along with a spousal income allowance). Assets cannot exceed $1,600 per applicant.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | Must be less than the cost of the nursing home | $1,600 | |
| Two People | 1 | Must be less than the cost of the nursing home | $1,600** | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | Must be less than the cost of the nursing home | $3,200*** |
*All monthly income except for a $60/mo. personal needs allowance and Medicare premiums must be paid to the facility as a share of cost. There may also be a monthly needs allowance for a non-applicant spouse.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Limit is $1,600 per spouse
Applicants are required to meet the mentioned income and asset limits, as well as other qualifications. If seniors meet these other qualifications, but not the income limit, they may be able to “spend down” on necessities until they meet the limit. Other qualifications include:
- Proof of residence
- Citizenship status
- Need for nursing care
How to Apply for Medicaid in Connecticut
Families and seniors can apply for Medicaid online using the ConneCT website or download the application PDF, which is available in English and Spanish. The Department of Social Services (DSS) Client Information Line and Benefits Center can send paper applications by mail and additional Medicaid information when individuals call (855) 626-6632 or their local DSS office. Applicants should prepare all the appropriate documents before they start their application. Correcting an application and resubmitting it for approval can add up to three weeks to the wait time.
Information You Will Need:
- Birth certificate, or other proof of age
- Social Security or green card, if born outside the United States
- Proof of earned and unearned income for the 60 months before the application date
- Copies of bank statements for the previous 60 months
- Proof of all real property sales and transfers for the previous 60 months
- Verification of pensions, such as government and occupational pensions, including a letter from the provider
- Proof of car registration and insurance
- VA discharge papers (DD 214) for veteran applicants
- Documents regarding wills, trusts and powers of attorney
- Any other documents that may support the individual’s application
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Connecticut
Seniors and their loved ones who wonder how to apply and whether they qualify for Medicaid may benefit from the following resources. Other resources can aid individuals who need assistance transitioning from a hospital or nursing home back into the community of their choice. Websites, such as Medicaid Planning Assistance, help families determine eligibility and compare types of professional Medicaid planners.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services | (860) 424-5055 | Also known as Community Choices, Aging and Disability Resource Centers is a hub of information for aging adults and their loved ones regarding statewide programs and services. Representatives can help applicants determine their eligibility and apply for Social Security, disability and income benefits. Programs can provide low-interest financial loans for assistive devices as well as free devices for individuals with both significant vision and hearing loss. |
| Money Follows the Person | (855) 626-6632 | Money Follows the Person is a federal program designed to help Medicaid recipients transition from institutions, such as nursing homes and hospitals, back into residential communities. Working with a Transition Coordinator, families can find home health aides and physical therapists, along with other services, depending on the individual’s needs. Eligible individuals must have been in a hospital or other long-term care setting for three months or more. |
| Medicaid Planning Assistance | Online Only | The Medicaid Planning Assistance website provides a free eligibility questionnaire for Medicaid, in addition to an extensive guide to types of Medicaid Planners. Individuals can read about what to do if they are denied Medicaid coverage and how they can “spend down” if they do not meet the fiscal qualifications. Additionally, the website features state-specific pages regarding eligibility and HCBS waivers. |
| Benefits.gov | (877) 284-8759 | Benefits.gov is the U.S. government website to find free and low-cost programs and services that assist seniors and loved ones with their long-term care needs. The website offers the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool for users to determine eligibility before they apply for benefits. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Connecticut?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
Medicare Support and Resources in Connecticut
Applying for Medicare and managing coverage shouldn’t be a difficult task. Individuals who need assistance with the application process or with understanding Medicare’s limitation for long-term care have several free counseling options. These include the state’s health insurance information program (CHOICES) and the official Medicare website.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut’s Program for Health Insurance Assistance, Outreach, Information and Referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening (CHOICES) | (800) 994-9422 | Working with the state's five Area Agencies on Aging and the Center for Medicare Advocacy, CHOICES offers free, unbiased one-on-one counseling for Medicare beneficiaries. Services include assistance with claim denials and comparison of supplemental coverage options. Counselors have experience with screening for eligibility, as well as with helping seniors enroll in the different Parts and financial assistance programs. |
| Medicare Savings Program | (855) 626-6632 | With any one of the three Medicare Money Savings Programs funded by Medicaid, seniors and caregivers can receive assistance with Medicare Part B premiums. Eligibility is determined by gross income or the combined gross income of spouses. Individuals who qualify for all three levels also qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), which pays the full costs of Medicare Part D. |
| BenefitsCheckUp | (800) 794-6559 | Partnered with the National Council on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp gives seniors and families the ability to search for over 2,500 local, statewide and federal benefits using their zip code and answering a few brief questions. The quick survey, which filters search results to the individual's needs, is available in English and Spanish. |
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 | As the official Medicare website, Medicare.gov offers a self-service portal for seniors who want to apply for benefits or view the status of their enrollment and claims. Users can browse through the various guides and search for care providers and medical equipment suppliers. The help forum lists local Medicare professionals for those who prefer one-on-one counseling and Medicare advice. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Connecticut
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| 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 skilled nursing care. |
| 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 nursing care. 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 skilled nursing care. 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 skilled nursing care 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. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Connecticut seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) | 800-445-5394 | Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) offers aid to qualifying older adults who live at home, in adult foster care or an assisted living facility. It aims to help you age in place rather than moving into a nursing home by providing services. |
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. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Connecticut
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | The Connecticut Department of Public Health licenses nursing homes and certifies them to participate in the Medicaid program. Licenses specify the patient capacity based on care level and name the Administrator and other key personnel. Licenses are valid for up to one year. To maintain licensure, facilities must follow the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. |
| Staffing Requirements | Nursing homes in Connecticut are required to have active, organized medical staff including enough nurses and nurse’s aides to provide adequate, appropriate care for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. At least one registered nurse must be on duty at all times.During awake hours, the facility must have enough licensed nursing personnel to provide 0.47 hours of care per patient. During the nighttime hours, that drops to 0.17 hours.For nurse’s aides, the facility must have enough staff to provide 1.40 hours of care per patient during awake hours and 0.50 hours per patient during nighttime hours. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Nurse's aides must undergo state-approved competency training within 120 days of being hired. The program must be no less than 100 hours in length, including 25 hours of clinical training. |
| Admission Restrictions | To be admitted to a nursing home, seniors must have certification from their physician that they need skilled nursing services. A facility can only admit individuals who require services it is equipped to provide. |
| Care Planning Requirements | All residents of a nursing home must receive a patient care plan based on their initial patient assessment. The assessment must take place within 14 days of admission, and the care plan must be developed within 7 days of the assessment. |
| Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirements | Skilled nursing facilities must meet the dietary needs of their residents by having a dietetic service supervisor on staff. If that supervisor isn't a dietitian, they must consult with one. Continuous dietary service is required for the 12 daytime hours, and patients must have written and dated menus. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | SNFs are required to have at least one physical therapy room within the facility. Other specialized rehabilitative services are not required by law. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Medications can only be administered by licensed nursing personnel, physician assistants or healthcare practitioners. Detailed records of medications given to patients must be kept. All SNFs must have a locked medication room with adequate storage for patient medications. |
| Activities Requirements | SNFs in Connecticut must provide physically and mentally stimulating activities through a therapeutic recreation program. An on-staff therapeutic recreation director must oversee these activities. |
| Infection Control Requirements | An infection control committee will meet regularly to discuss infection prevention plans. Daily surveillance to stop infections if they occur is required. Any infection outbreaks must be reported to the Department of Health. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Seniors who meet certain income and asset requirements can use Medicaid coverage to pay for nursing home care. Only nursing homes approved for the Medicaid program are allowed to take this payment. |
Facilities in Connecticut
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