June 13, 2014

Connecticut Medicaid Enrollment Reaches New High

According to the Department of Social Services, as reported in a recent Connecticut Mirror article, Medicaid enrollment in Connecticut has increased significantly in the past year.

From October 2013 to April 2014, enrollment by:
  1. low-income children and their parents (HUSKY A) increased by 7%, to 460,103 members;
  2. the elderly, blind, and disabled (HUSKY C) remained relatively stable (98,644 members at the end of April); and
  3. adults without minor children (HUSKY D) increased by 46%, to 137,620 members. 
HUSKY D enrollment spiked 12% in one month alone (from late December to late January), most likely because of the higher income limit that went into effect on January 1st as part of the federal Affordable Care Act.  The income limit for HUSKY D eligibility rose from 56% to 138% of the federal poverty level.

The article also noted that, from October to April, enrollment in the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP or HUSKY B) dropped by 10%, to 11,824 children. HUSKY B is separate from Medicaid and provides health coverage for children whose parents’ income exceeds the Medicaid eligibility limits.

According to DSS statistics, nearly one in five state residents are currently enrolled in Medicaid.
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