Connecticut Long-Term Care Information

Connecticut

Connecticut’s population in 2013 totaled to nearly 3.6 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The state recorded 0.6% population growth from 2010 to 2013. Females constituted 51.2% of the overall number of residents. Senior citizens accounted for 15.2% of the population.

America’s Health Rankings, which featured statewide reports by the United Health Foundation, placed Connecticut in 7^th place among states in terms of overall health. It regards the prevalence of smoking in the state as one of the lowest in the country. Connecticut has minimal cases of Salmonella, which can put residents of long-term care facilities at risk, as compared to many states. The lack of physical activity among adults lowered from 25.5% to 22.1% in 2013.

In 2011, health professionals diagnosed diabetes in approximately 9.3% of adults in Connecticut, or nearly 260,000 individuals. In fact, the actual number of diabetes patients might be higher as many individuals do not know that they already have this chronic illness. Diabetes mostly affected Connecticut residents with lower economic and educational backgrounds, and those aged 65 and above.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health adds that 9% of adults ages 60 and up face dementia and other cognitive ailments. In addition, 8% of adults ages 45 to 59 might require memory care. Nearly 80% of middle-aged and senior cognitive illness patients also develop a chronic health complication like heart disease. Skilled care services can stabilize their condition.

Cost of Care

Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Connecticut.

Notes:

*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
¹Daily average for a private room.
²Based on five days of care per week.
³Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.

Insurance Options

In 2013, John Hancock implemented changes in the in-force rates of its long-term care insurance policies sold in Connecticut and two other states. Due to state regulations, John Hancock needed to limit the increase in LTCI rates through 5% automatic inflation. The insurance carrier offered additional options so clients could reduce benefits and deal with rate changes.

Transamerica markets an LTCI product, known as TransCare II 2012, to prospective clients in Connecticut. State residents have access to a separate partnership policy.

Genworth updated its Partnership policies in Connecticut on January 1, 2014 in line with state guidelines. The minimum daily benefit for nursing facility coverage amounts to $235, while it is $117.50 for home health care coverage. Privileged Choice Flex Connecticut Partnership policies have a minimum monthly benefit that is worth $7,200, regardless of age.

The federal government approved Connecticut in joining the National Reciprocity Compact with Partnership states on March 27, 2009. Insurers with permission to sell Partnership policies in the state include Bankers Life, Massachusetts Mutual, and MedAmerica.

State Long-Term Care Programs

Older adults and people with disabilities can get coverage for some long-term care services through the Medicare Program. While Part A pays for nursing facility or home health services, Part B involves therapy, medical equipment, and extra services. Medicare dependents in Connecticut may opt for a fee-for-service plan or a managed care plan. Low-income clients can look into three Medicare Savings Programs and see which one applies to a particular situation.

While other states have the federally-facilitated Marketplace for Medicaid, Connecticut runs a state-based Marketplace called Access Health CT. On January 1, 2014, the state began accepting more low-income enrollees for Medicaid coverage. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that upon expansion, 150,000 more adult residents will qualify for this government health program.

Moreover, Connecticut’s Medicare is now relying less on private health plans and managed care. The state intends to supervise care through an administrative services organization, or ASO, system.

More Resources

To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Connecticut, please check the following websites:

My Place CT

Helps through care assessment, care service locator, topic overviews, and other resources.

Connecticut Care Planning Council

Provides caregiving resources, lists of LTC facilities, and extra information for taking care of seniors.

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