For six decades, Medicaid has served as a critical lifeline for millions of children and families, offering access to essential health services, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening communities across the nation. To honor this milestone, we’ve compiled 60 reasons, one for each year, to highlight the many ways Medicaid continues to promote health, dignity, and opportunity for people from all walks of life.
Maternal, Child, and Family Health
1. Covers Moms and Babies
Medicaid covers around 40% of all births in CT ensuring prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
2. Improves Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes
CT expanded postpartum coverage to 12 months and funds doula care for better maternal health outcomes.
3. Helps Fund Early Intervention (Birth to Three)
CT’s Birth to Three program provides therapy services for children with developmental delays, funded in part by Medicaid.
4. Supports Children with Complex Medical Needs
Medicaid enables access to ventilators, feeding tubes, and pediatric specialists for children with serious conditions.
5. Provides Autism and Developmental Therapies
Children in CT receive applied behavioral analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy for children with autism through Medicaid.
6. Funds School-Based Health Services
Medicaid supports CT school districts in hiring nurses, behavioral health staff, and speech-language pathologists.
7. Covers Pediatric Dental Services
Children on HUSKY A (Medicaid) and HUSKY B (Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP) receive free dental checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.
8. Improves School Attendance and Academic Performance
Children with asthma and other chronic conditions are healthier and have fewer absences thanks to continuous Medicaid coverage.
9. Supports Foster and Former Foster Youth
Medicaid provides continuous coverage to foster youth in CT and extends to age 26 for those aging out of care.
10. Supports Families of Children with Special Needs
Parents receive help paying for therapies, home health aides, and respite care through Medicaid.
11. Covers Vision and Hearing Needs for Children
CT Medicaid pays for eyeglasses and hearing aids, helping students perform better in class.
12. Supports Breastfeeding and Maternal Nutrition Programs
Medicaid connects moms with WIC, lactation support, and nutrition counseling to promote healthy starts.
Access to Care and Essential Services
13. Covers 38% of Children in CT
HUSKY Health ensures thousands of CT children can access medical care regardless of their family’s income.
14. Covers Preventive Services
CT Medicaid offers free cancer screenings, immunizations, and checkups—often eliminating the need for ER visits later.
15. Expands Behavioral Health Access
CT Medicaid covers therapy, mobile crisis units, psychiatry, and substance use treatment without cost-sharing.
16. Addresses the Opioid Epidemic
Medication-assisted treatment, including Suboxone, is fully covered to combat opioid addiction.
17. Provides Transportation to Medical Appointments
Non-emergency transportation through HUSKY helps patients get to dialysis, chemo, or mental health visits.
18. Supports Telehealth Access
Video visits for mental health, dermatology, and chronic care management remain covered post-pandemic.
19. Improves Care Coordination
CT Medicaid’s Person-Centered Medical Home model helps patients navigate specialists and chronic disease care.
20. Covers Prescription Medications
From asthma inhalers to HIV treatment, Medicaid covers essential medications with minimal cost to patients.
21. Funds Community Health Centers
Clinics like Community Health Center Inc. and Fair Haven serve thousands of HUSKY members each year.
22. Helps Formerly Incarcerated People Reenter Society
CT pilots programs that reconnect people with Medicaid upon release to maintain addiction or mental health treatment.
23. Covers Genetic Testing for At-Risk Populations
CT Medicaid pays for BRCA and other genetic tests to identify cancer risk early for eligible enrollees.
24. Supports Environmental Health (Asthma & Mold)
Medicaid funds asthma remediation in homes with mold or pest infestations, reducing ER visits.
25. Improves Health Literacy and Language Access
Medicaid-funded interpreters help patients navigate care in their preferred language.
Long-Term, Specialized, and Disability Care
26. Covers Long-Term Services for Aging Adults
Medicaid helps pay for nursing home care and in-home assistance for low-income seniors not fully covered by Medicare.
27. Supports Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
CT waivers allow seniors and people with disabilities to receive care in their own homes rather than institutions.
28. Funds Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy
Stroke survivors, seniors, and children all access these vital recovery therapies through Medicaid.
29. Supports Independent Living for People with Disabilities
Personal care aides and home modifications are covered to help people with disabilities live on their own.
30. Serves Adults with Complex Chronic Illness
CT Medicaid supports ongoing care for diabetes, HIV, cancer, and more—preventing complications and hospitalizations.
31. Covers End-of-Life and Hospice Services
CT residents receive in-home palliative care, pain management, and bereavement support through Medicaid.
32. Provides Dental Services for Adults
Restorative dental procedures and dentures are covered for eligible adults under HUSKY D and HUSKY C.
33. Fills Gaps for Veterans Not Fully Covered by the VA
Veterans in CT may use Medicaid to access care locally or fill coverage gaps the VA does not address.
34. Covers Native Americans through Tribal Partnerships
CT Medicaid works with tribal health services for Mohegan and Pequot members to ensure culturally competent care.
35. Funds Caregiver Training Programs
Medicaid pays for family members to receive training in medical equipment, transfers, and medication management.
36. Supports Youth Aging Out of DCF or Group Homes
Youth aging out of state custody retain continuous Medicaid coverage into early adulthood.
Economic and Community Impact
37. Covers Over 1 Million CT Residents
More than 25% of CT’s population is enrolled in Medicaid, making it a major healthcare foundation.
38. Reduces Medical Debt and Bankruptcy
Families avoid financial ruin from surprise medical bills and long hospital stays thanks to HUSKY coverage.
39. Saves Taxpayer Money
By preventing costly ER use and complications, Medicaid saves CT taxpayers millions annually.
40. Stimulates Local Economies
Federal Medicaid funds support jobs, clinics, and hospitals in cities and rural towns alike.
41. Creates Healthcare Jobs
Medicaid supports thousands of nursing, therapist, and home health aide jobs across CT.
42. Supports Small Business Owners and Self-Employed Workers
Freelancers, artists, and entrepreneurs often rely on HUSKY D for consistent healthcare access.
43. Keeps Rural Clinics Open
Rural health centers in Litchfield and Windham counties depend on Medicaid payments to remain operational.
44. Supports School Employment
Medicaid funding helps school districts afford school nurses, psychologists, and behavioral support staff.
45. Provides a Safety Net During Job Loss
When residents lose jobs, Medicaid steps in quickly to maintain healthcare access. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children did not see in increase in the uninsured rate because they were able to transition to Medicaid when a parent or caregiver lost their job.
46. Reduces Pressure on Emergency Rooms
Stable access to primary care reduces preventable ER use and keeps CT hospitals running efficiently.
Equity, Crisis Response, and Social Support
47. Reduces Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
By ensuring access across income and racial lines, Medicaid helps close gaps in maternal and chronic disease outcomes.
48. Protects Against Future Pandemics
CT Medicaid expanded telehealth and waived copays during COVID-19, helping families access safe care.
49. Funds Emergency Response Infrastructure
Mobile testing units and field hospitals during the pandemic were partly supported by Medicaid reimbursements.
50. Covers Care for Immigrants and Refugees (Where Eligible)
Legal residents, refugees, and DACA youth in CT can qualify for HUSKY Health after five years.
51. Addresses Housing-Related Health Risks
Medicaid waivers support housing services for people with high medical needs and unstable living conditions.
52. Promotes Dignity and Health Equity
Medicaid ensures that every CT resident—regardless of income or status—can access the care they need.
53. Helps People Live and Work Independently
Managing asthma, diabetes, or mental illness with regular care supports stable work and independent living.
54. Gives Families Peace of Mind
Knowing Medicaid is there provides emotional and financial security during hard times.
55. Builds Healthier Communities for Everyone
More insured residents means better public health, less strain on hospitals, and healthier school environments.
56. Enables Healthcare Innovation
CT pilots integrated care models, social supports, and payment reform via Medicaid.
57. Covers Gender-Affirming Healthcare
CT Medicaid includes coverage for hormone therapy and related care for transgender individuals.
58. Funds Recovery Coaches in Emergency Departments
Recovery coaches funded by Medicaid help overdose survivors access treatment in CT hospitals.
59. Covers Dental Sealants in Schools
Mobile dental vans visit CT schools to provide Medicaid-funded sealants that prevent tooth decay.
60. Supports Health Literacy and Outreach
CT Medicaid supports community health workers who educate families about navigating the health system.