Connecticut Medicaid Waivers & Home and Community Based Programs Overview

Connecticut, known as The Constitution State, has a well-developed Medicaid Waiver and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) system designed to provide long-term care alternatives for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) in collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the state’s Medicaid program, HUSKY Health, offers several waiver programs. Key waivers include the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) Waiver, which provides services to seniors at risk of nursing home placement, the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver, which allows individuals with physical disabilities to hire their own caregivers, and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Connecticut also offers the Katie Beckett Waiver, designed to support children with severe disabilities who would otherwise not qualify for Medicaid. The state emphasizes self-direction and person-centered planning, allowing individuals greater flexibility and control over their care.

Regulatory oversight in Connecticut is managed through DSS, DDS, and DMHAS, with licensing and provider compliance enforced by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Waiver services are coordinated through Access Agencies and Local Case Management Organizations, ensuring that participants receive appropriate assessments and care planning.

The state has also implemented Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for personal care services to enhance accountability and fraud prevention. Additionally, Connecticut operates under both fee-for-service and managed care models, with Community Health Networks (CHN) and Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) playing key roles in service coordination. Providers must navigate strict Medicaid billing requirements, enrollment regulations, and compliance measures to participate in the state’s HCBS system. With a strong emphasis on aging in place, integrated care, and cost-effective service delivery, Connecticut’s Medicaid waiver programs ensure that individuals receive high-quality, community-based supports tailored to their needs while promoting independence and community inclusion.

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Explore Policy and Procedure manual for licensing and certification for your state Medicaid Waiver and HCBS programs here.

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