This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
Connecticut statute defines “community health worker” as a public health outreach professional with an in-depth understanding of the experience, language, culture, and socioeconomic needs of the community and who provides a range of services, including, but not limited to, outreach, engagement, education, coaching, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, care coordination, research related to social determinants of health, and basic screenings and assessments of any risks associated with social determinants of health.
State CHW Governance
Connecticut does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs. The Department of Public Health and the Office of Health Strategy both support CHW activities and initiatives.
Certification and Training
In 2020, the state established a voluntary CHW certification program overseen by the Department of Public Health.
Gateway Community College, Housatonic Community College, the Health Education Center, and Southwestern AHECtrain CHWs using the , Community Health Worker Advisory Board (CHWAB)-approved core curriculum, which is modeled on the National C3 Council standards. Organizations apply via the CHWAB Portal to become approved training vendors.
Recertification is required every three years for certified CHWs. Applicants must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including training on cultural competency, systemic racism or oppression, and social determinants of health, as well as two hours of training on screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression, grief, and or suicide prevention.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Connecticut does not reimburse CHW services through its state Medicaid program.
Senate Bill 989 was passed in 2023, directing the Department of Social Services to design and implement Medicaid reimbursement for CHWs.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
CHWs in Connecticut receive grant funding through federally qualified health centers, community-based organizations, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, American Rescue Plan Act allocations, and philanthropic organizations.
Key Partnerships
The Office of Health Strategy, Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Social Services, and Office of Early Childhood participate in an Interagency Workgroup on Community Health Workers to align efforts and maximize funding. Connecticut’s Office of Health Strategy also statutorily oversees the Community Health Worker Advisory Body, which advises DPH on matters relating to education and certification requirements for training, conducts a continuous review of education and certification programs, and provides DPH with a list of approved education and certification programs for CHWs, as well as requirements for CHW instructors.
Other partners include the Connecticut Community Colleges, Area Health Education Centers, Health Equity Solutions, and the Connecticut Health Foundation. The Community Health Workers Association of Connecticut is the state professional association for CHWs and is currently a section of the Connecticut Public Health Association.
State CHW Legislation
Public Act 19-117 became law in 2019 and requires CHWs to be certified by the state.
Public Act 22-118, passed in 2022, requires the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services to establish a community action worker grant program.
Senate Bill 989, passed in 2023, requires the Department of Social Services to conduct a two-part study of Medicaid reimbursement rates and implement a program to provide Medicaid reimbursement to certified CHWs.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
