CT community health workers still waiting for Medicaid support

June 6, 2026 - 03:07

A law passed in Connecticut back in 2023 was supposed to make the state's Medicaid program pay for services provided by community health workers. But more than a year later, those workers are still waiting for the money to start flowing.

The law was designed to recognize the vital role these workers play, especially in underserved communities. They often act as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system, helping with everything from managing chronic conditions to navigating insurance paperwork. Without formal reimbursement, many of these positions rely on short-term grants or hospital budgets, which creates instability.

State officials say the delay is due to the complex process of setting up a new billing system within the Medicaid infrastructure. They need to define which services qualify, set payment rates, and ensure proper oversight. Community health workers argue that the hold-up is hurting patients who need consistent support. Some organizations have had to scale back their outreach or rely on volunteer labor while waiting for the state to finalize the rules.

Advocates are pushing for a faster timeline, warning that every month of delay means missed opportunities to improve health outcomes and reduce emergency room visits. The state has not given a firm date for when the payments will begin, but the pressure is mounting from both the workers and the communities they serve.