Connecticut Medicare is available to seniors and disabled people who are at least 65 or have end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most Medicare enrollees choose to enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). These plans offer different combinations of premiums, copays, and deductibles. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) can help pay for Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
When choosing a Medicare plan, consider your budget and healthcare needs. Ensure that your doctors and medical facilities are in-network and that you can access affordable medication and services. A good place to start is the Insurify Medicare comparison tool, which will show you the best plan options based on your ZIP code.
Residents of Connecticut may be eligible for financial help with their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance or copayments through Extra Help, which is offered through the state’s Medicaid program, Husky C. To apply for this assistance, fill out a W-1QMB form online. For more information about this program, visit the Extra Help page on GoHealth.
Connecticut Medicare Advantage Plans
In addition to the Medicare Parts A and B, many people enroll in Medicare Advantage plans managed by private companies. These plans offer various benefits and cost structures, which vary by state. Some of these plans require a physician or provider to be in their network. Medicare Advantage enrollees are more likely to report difficulty paying medical bills or delaying care due to costs, but this is less common for traditional Medicare patients. Connecticut’s CHOICES program provides free Medicare information education and financial assistance to help with Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles.
Connecticut Medicare beneficiaries can choose from a variety of 2024 Medicare Advantage plans, which include health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), private fee-for-service (PFFS), and special needs plan (SNP). These plans are offered by private insurance companies. They all offer similar benefits but vary in costs and coverage. These plans typically require that you receive care from providers within the network and may require a referral for specialists or pre-authorization of treatments.
Connecticut Husky Medicaid
Medicare-eligible residents of Connecticut can also enroll in HUSKY Medicaid, which is available to those with low incomes. HUSKY is broken into different categories, including HUSKY A for children, pregnant women, and parents; HUSKY B for those with incomes too high for HUSKY A; and MED-Connect for individuals with ESRD or ALS who draw SSDI benefits. All of these programs are governed by federal Medicaid laws and regulations, though they have state-specific names.