How to apply for Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE): state-funded and Medicaid waiver home care

Who it's for

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) helps people 65 and older stay at home instead of moving to a nursing home. It is for Connecticut residents who are at risk of nursing home placement because they need help with things like bathing, dressing, eating, taking medicine, or using the toilet. Services may include care management, adult day health, companion and homemaker services, home-delivered meals, assisted living services, personal care attendant services, an emergency response system, respite, and transportation. People on Medicaid get services through the Medicaid waiver part of the program. People who do not qualify for Medicaid can choose the state-funded part, which allows savings up to $48,798 for a single person or $65,064 for a married couple. State-funded clients pay part of the cost of their care. Call 1-800-445-5394 and choose option 4 to make a referral.

What you'll need

• CT Home Care Program referral form (W-1487), or a referral by phone
• Information about the help you need, your health conditions, and your income and assets

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE): state-funded and Medicaid waiver home care. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need cT Home Care Program referral form (W-1487), or a referral by phone, information about the help you need, your health conditions, and your income and assets — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that you may qualify. You must be age 65 or older, live in Connecticut, need help with daily activities, and be at risk of nursing home care.
2. Gather the information you will need. Have details about the help you need, your health conditions, and your income and assets ready.
3. Apply online or make a referral by phone. Call 1-800-445-5394 and choose option 4, or complete the CT Home Care Program referral form (W-1487) if that is requested.
4. Complete the referral fully. Include clear information about your daily care needs, health conditions, and finances.
5. Take part in the in-home assessment. DSS uses this assessment to decide if you qualify and which part of the program fits your situation.
6. Review the program rules if you are approved. The Medicaid waiver part has much lower asset limits and an income limit. If you use the state-funded part, you will pay a share of the cost of care, and the state may recover costs from an estate.

What to expect: After you apply or make a referral, DSS will review your information and arrange an in-home assessment. DSS makes the final decision about eligibility and whether services are provided through the Medicaid waiver or the state-funded part of the program. Processing times vary, so ask DSS for an estimate. If you are approved, expect to renew every year.

Renewals

annual