Overview

Effective August 15, 2026, services under the Connecticut Housing Engagement and Support Services (CHESS) program will no longer be available. The Medicaid State Plan amendment that authorized the operation and provision of CHESS to qualified Medicaid participants expires effective that date and thus services under the CHESS program will no longer be offered by the Department of Social Services as of August 15, 2026.

CHESS was launched in 2022 and was aimed at managing the difficulties that are often part of homelessness, including access to health care and handling chronic health issues, with the overall goal of promoting health and well-being by coordinating targeted health care with housing.

CHESS provides supportive housing benefits under Medicaid, coordinated with Medicaid services and, to the extent available, non-Medicaid housing subsidies administered by the Department of Housing. Medicaid-covered housing engagement and support services include chronic disease management and wellness education, in addition to pre-tenancy supports (help with locating and securing housing), tenancy sustaining supports (help with maintaining successful tenancy), and non-medical transportation.

Although Medicaid participants can still apply, the program does not have available housing subsidies or available providers to cover the intended services. The program will expire and will no longer be available as a benefit as of August 15, 2026.

For questions or further assistance, please contact DSS’ Community Options Unit at 1-888-992-8637.

[Updated 06-12-26]