FAQs

• Are the covered medical benefits different under the MED-Connect program than in other parts of Medicaid?+
  Answer:

  No, Medicaid coverage is provided under the HUSKY C portion of Medicaid in Connecticut, which is also nationally known as Medicaid for the Aged/Blind/Disabled. 

• Can a person continue to get medical coverage if his/her health improves?+
  Answer:

  If health improves, the person can still qualify for the MED-Connect program under the Medically Improved Group. The Medically Improved Group has the same income, asset, and premium rules as basic MED-Connect but you must be earning 40 times the Federal Hourly Minimum Wage per month. 

• Can a person own a car, a house and a bank account?+
  Answer:

  A car used for getting to work or medical appointments is not counted as an asset. A primary residence is an excluded asset.  A person can have $20,000 ($30,000 for a couple) in counted assets such as checking or savings account. A person can also have any amount saved in approved retirement accounts such as an IRA or 401K. A person may also have a special DSS approved account with money set aside to save for special employment expenses.

• Do I have to already be enrolled in Medicaid to qualify for this program?+
  Answer:

  No, the program is open to persons with a disability who become employed or who are already employed, regardless of current health coverage status. 

• Does a person have to pay anything to get MED-Connect?+
  Answer:

  Your premium is zero if your family’s countable income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), wages, pensions and Veteran’s Benefits are some examples of countable income. For married couples, there is no premium if the combined income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for a couple. Persons with income above these amounts will be charged a monthly premium based on 10% of income above the limit. A premium credit is given for any other medical insurance premiums paid by the person. This credit lowers the premium amount the person would pay under MED-Connect. 

• Does a person have to receive Social security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to qualify?+
  Answer:

  If a person gets disability benefits from one of those programs he meets the MED-Connect disability rules. A person who does not receive benefits may still qualify for MED-Connect by completing a disability review with the Department of Social Services. 

• Does a person lose MED-Connect coverage if he/she loses employment?+
  Answer:

  If a person stops working because of a health problem or loses a job through no fault of his or her own, the person can stay on the MED-Connect program for up to one year from the last day of employment.

  For coverage to continue you must plan to return to work when health improves or must be looking for another job. 

• Does one have to earn a certain amount to qualify?+
  Answer:

  The earnings must be considered taxable wages by the Internal Revenue Service. A self-employed person must pay self-employment taxes to the IRS in order to qualify. 

  If you lost SSDI/SSI, you must be earning 40 times the Federal Hourly Minimum Wage per month. 

• How do I apply for MED-Connect?+
  Answer:

  Apply online at: www.connect.ct.gov and click on ‘Apply Now’ in the ‘Apply for Benefits’ box.

  To apply by mail or in person,  please follow this link for the Application for Benefits (W-1E) - English or

  Application for Benefits (W-1ES) - Solicitud de Beneficios - Spanish

  Please see page 2 of the application instructions for mailing address. You can also submit the completed application at any DSS Field Office. 

• How much can a person earn?+
  Answer:

  A person can have countable income up to $7,084 per month ($85,000 per year) and still be eligible for the program.

• What is MED-Connect?+
  Answer:

  MED-Connect (Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities) is a medical assistance program for Connecticut residents administered by the Department of Social Services. The program allows a person with a disability to be employed, earn income and be eligible for health coverage through Medicaid. 

• I have a question about the invoice that was mailed to me, who can I contact?+
  Answer:

  Please call 1-800-656-6684 to speak with a representative. 

• I would like more information about MED-Connect, who can I call?+
  Answer: Please contact the Department of Social Services Benefit Center at 1-866-626-6632, (toll free) to speak with Eligibility Services stafff. Information is also available at 2-1-1 (toll free). Online information is available at www.ct.gov/med.
• Once I am eligible, where do I mail my premium payment?+
  Answer:

  Premium payments should be mailed to our Premium Payment Processing Center.

  The address is:

  DSS Premium Payment Processing Center

  PO Box 150445

  Hartford, CT 06115-0445
  

• The Social Security Administration says that if a person earns too much he/she could lose his disability status. Would that person also lose MED-Connect?+
  Answer: Persons who earn over the Social Security Administration’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level may lose their SSDI benefit – but a person earning above the SGA amount would not lose medical assistance under MED-Connect, even if the SSDI stops because of earnings, unless the income exceeds $75,000 per year.  For SGA guidelines, please visit Substantial Gainful Activity (ssa.gov) 
• What if a person needs training before returning to work?+
  Answer:

  For assistance in obtaining or retaining employment please contact the Department of Rehabilitation Services at 1 (800) 537-2549 or by visiting www.ct.gov/dors/

• What if a person has a physical disability and Medicaid pays for his/her Personal Care Assistance. Will the person lose that help if he/she goes to work?+
  Answer:

  Persons who qualify for Medicaid through MED-Connect also qualify financially for the Personal Care Assistance (PCA), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), or Department of Developmental Services Comprehensive Waivers. 

• When are the premiums due?+
  Answer:

  Premium payments are due by the 20th day of each month. To allow for sufficient processing time, please be sure to mail your premium payment promptly. Prompt payments can help avoid any interruption in coverage. 

• Where can a person learn more about how work affects Social Security benefits?+
  Answer:

  Information is available from local Social Security Administration Offices. The Social Security Administration can also be reached toll free at 1-800-772-1213. Information is also available online by visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook

  This is a complete guide to work incentives under Social Security programs. 

• Who can I call to find out the amount of my premium?+
  Answer:

  Please call 1-800-656-6684 to speak with a representative. 

• Who do I make my check payable to?+
  Answer:

  Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Commissioner of Social Services.

  Please do not send cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Enclose the remittance slip you received with your MED-Connect premium invoice with your payment.