Medicaid Entitlement Block Grant Award Summary

The Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) awarded the Connecticut Department of Social Services $213.3 million in Medicaid entitlement funding for fiscal year 2026 under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778). This block grant, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, provides financial assistance for medical assistance payments on behalf of eligible low-income populations, including cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and medically-needy persons who meet Connecticut's income and resource requirements. The funding supports comprehensive healthcare services delivered through participating Medicaid providers throughout the state.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services administers this award as the state's primary Medicaid administrative agency, coordinating implementation with ten state subrecipient agencies including the Department of Public Health, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Office of Rural Health. As part of its broader federal grant portfolio exceeding $1.7 billion annually for Medicaid entitlements, DSS utilizes these quarterly-distributed funds to ensure eligible Connecticut residents receive essential medical care, including coverage for Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles for qualified beneficiaries, while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal regulations and state Medicaid Plan requirements.