June 4, 2025

Get Paid to Be a Caregiver Through Connecticut Medicaid

Caregiver Experience Navigating Eligibility

All Topics

Share Post

• Share article to Facebook
• Share article to LinkedIn

Family caregivers improve the quality of life and well-being of their loved ones across Connecticut. They often provide around-the-clock care at home including hands-on support with activities of daily living (ADLs), all while ensuring the health and safety of their loved one. Many caregivers don’t realize they can receive payment and support for the work they’re doing. Connecticut offers several programs that help caregivers and support high-quality care for their loved ones. 

If you are one of the estimated 420,000 family caregivers in Connecticut, per AARP Public Policy Institute’s recent study, there are benefits and services that may be available to you to lighten your load, support your loved one’s health, and minimize financial burdens. Whether they qualify for Medicaid or the State-funded program, don’t miss out on the opportunity for relief through your state’s benefits.

Overview of Connecticut Medicaid

Medicaid is a government program that helps people with lower incomes get access to services. It’s funded by the federal government but customized by each state. Medicaid eligibility depends on things like your income, if you’re pregnant, have a disability, or how many people are in your family. Connecticut offers three Medicaid variations: HUSKY A for families and pregnant women, HUSKY C for individuals with certain disabilities, and HUSKY D for single adults. 

If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid and requires direct care at home, such as help with bathing, grooming, or moving around, there may be additional caregiver benefits available to you. Through Medicaid and other state-funded programs, family members can be compensated as full-time caregivers to assist their loved ones at home rather than moving them to a healthcare facility. For those receiving care, this can help improve their quality of life and keep family and community nearby.

Medicaid Programs Allowing Family Caregiver Payment

There are several Medicaid-based programs available to financially, emotionally, and mentally support those serving as family caregivers. The best step for assessing these programs is to consider your loved one’s eligibility for Medicaid or State-funded and determine their care needs. Consider using the American Council on Aging’s screening tool to evaluate their fit into Medicaid or State-funded and the below programs and Waivers. 

• Adult Family Living (AFL)

Through the AFL service under the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) Waiver, offered by Careforth in Connecticut, individuals 65+ with a diagnosed disability can remain at home while receiving care from a live-in friend or family member. The level of care and support is determined by the Department of Social Services (DSS) through an initial assessment. An outside agency, such as Careforth, oversees the caregiver’s training, providing ongoing support and resources while coordinating the caregiver’s stipend payment.  

Individuals with disabilities or health conditions aged 18-64 may also access AFL through the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver. This program allows the person needing care to hire a CPA to support with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. For both Waivers, individuals must be referred from the DSS, which can be done by calling 800-445-5394 and selecting option 4, or by visiting the DSS website to check eligibility and apply for Medicaid.

• Community First Choice (CFC) Program

CFC helps those who qualify access a personal care attendant (PCA) and other benefits to support their independence at home instead of nursing facilities. If your loved one prefers to live at home, utilizing the CFC program can be a great alternative for them to remain in the community while getting support with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Caregivers must be at least 16 years old, an experienced caregiver, and able to manage the physical and mental load of caregiving. Caregivers cannot be the individual’s spouse, conservator, guardian, or health care representative. Applications can be completed here. 

Steps to Enroll in Medicaid Caregiver Compensation Programs

The enrollment process and acceptance timeline for these programs varies depending on your loved one’s current Medicaid status and the complexity of their needs. However, qualifying for one of these programs can make caregiving a formal and compensated role for you. These programs will likely require you to create a care plan that takes your loved one’s needs and wants into account. To keep the process moving, begin working through this plan while the applications are under review. The plan should include details about your loved one’s needs, both physically and mentally, including any formalized diagnosis, a list of daily medications and supplements, tasks that are achievable for them, tasks that are challenging for them, and things that bring them joy. The National Institute on Aging has a great checklist if you’re starting from scratch.

Additional Caregiver Support Programs

If your loved one does not qualify for Medicaid, there are other caregiver support programs available that are worth reviewing. 

• National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) 

The NFCSP supports caregivers in several ways, both providing paid respite care and helping to offset a portion of caregiving costs such as durable medical supplies, emergency services, or caregiver trainings. Qualification into the program is evaluated by the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) based on income and need, and AAA will also review then approve or deny all expenses. To qualify, individuals must require assistance with at least two ADLs and have cognitive or mental limits that require extensive care. 

• Veterans-Directed Care (VDC) Program

The VDC program allows veterans to select their own caregiver (family or otherwise) who can provide care in the comfort of the veteran’s own home. Veterans are initially screened by their VA clinic, then eligible individuals are referred to the AAA to manage the program services. Eligibility includes Connecticut veterans who prefer to live at home and can manage a PCA. Caregivers can be family members, including spouses, siblings, adult children, or grandchildren, and they must be able to physically and mentally handle the load of caregiving. Caregiver compensation varies based on geographical location but can be 50-75% of the average cost for outside home health services.

How Careforth Helps You Get Paid To Be a Family Caregiver Through Connecticut Medicaid

The 53 million family caregivers across the country are the backbone of our healthcare system. While it may take a village to raise a child, too often caregivers may feel like a village of one when supporting a parent, sibling, spouse, friend, or adult child with complex needs. We believe family caregivers are worthy of support, deserving of compensation, and care deeply about doing the best they can for their loved ones.

At Careforth, we strive to provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported at every turn in their caregiving journey. Visit the Adult Family Living page on our site to learn more about how Careforth supports Connecticut caregivers, or contact us for more information.  

Connecticut Caregiver Payment Through Medicaid FAQs

Can family caregivers get paid through Connecticut Medicaid?

Yes, there are select Waivers and programs that allow caregivers to receive a stipend for their work. These include the Community First Choice (CFC) Program and the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver Program, both of which require the care recipient to qualify for Connecticut Medicaid.

Who qualifies as a paid caregiver under Medicaid?

While the qualifications vary depending on the specific Waiver, individuals who are at least 18 years old, live with the person they care for, and can physically and mentally support the demands of caregiving will qualify. Select Waivers may exclude spouses or legal conservators, while others do not have those limitations. Always review the specific program or Waiver to determine any restrictions that could exclude you from being a paid caregiver. 

How can I apply to get paid as a caregiver through Medicaid?

Consider using the American Council on Aging’s screening tool to evaluate your loved one’s fit into Medicaid and the available programs and Waivers. From there, depending on the program that best aligns to their circumstances, you can reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging for a program-based referral.

---