Short answer

No. Connecticut’s Medicaid program cannot force you to sign over your mother’s deed while she is alive. After a beneficiary dies, the state can seek recovery of certain Medicaid benefits from the beneficiary’s estate, which may include real property that is part of the estate. Whether the state can place a lien, how recovery happens, and whether recovery will actually take the home depends on the facts: who lives in the home (spouse, minor or disabled child), when title was transferred, and whether there are valid legal protections or probate defenses.

How Medicaid estate recovery works (big-picture)

Federal Medicaid law requires states to try to recover certain Medicaid payments for long‑term care and related services from the estates of deceased Medicaid beneficiaries. The federal law that permits this is 42 U.S.C. § 1396p; Connecticut administers its recovery program under that federal framework and state policies. See the federal statute: 42 U.S.C. § 1396p (govinfo.gov). For Connecticut program procedures and contact information, see the Connecticut Department of Social Services: Connecticut DSS.

Key points to know:

• Medicaid recovery is usually pursued after the Medicaid recipient dies. The state files a claim against the deceased person’s estate—this is not the same as forcing a living person to sign away property.
• Connecticut may also place liens under certain circumstances. Whether a lien can be placed while the recipient is alive depends on program rules and the recipient’s living situation.
• Federal law and Connecticut rules include protections for a surviving spouse, a child under age 21, and a child who is blind or disabled. Those protections can prevent immediate recovery from the home while those protected persons are alive.

Common scenarios (hypothetical examples)

1) Mother is alive and you hold the deed in your name

If your mother is alive and still the Medicaid beneficiary, the state generally cannot force you to sign a deed transfer. If you hold title as a joint owner or on behalf of your mother, the facts matter: who provided the money to buy the home, how title was changed, and whether the change was a true gift or an attempted Medicaid planning transfer.

2) Mother received nursing-home Medicaid and then died

After death, Connecticut can file a claim against your mother’s probate estate to recover Medicaid payments for long-term care. If the home is part of the probate estate (for example, your mother owned it in her name at death), the DSS claim can affect the home. However, if a surviving spouse or an eligible child lives in the home, there are statutory protections that typically delay or limit recovery.

3) Title was transferred before death to avoid recovery

If the mother transferred the home for less than fair market value within the Medicaid look‑back/penalty period, the state may treat that transfer as a disqualifying transfer (triggering a period of ineligibility) or, in some circumstances, pursue recovery or challenge the transfer after death. Improper transfers can be reversed or challenged in probate or by the DSS.

Protections that frequently apply under Connecticut law

• Surviving spouse protection: A surviving spouse’s right to continue to live in the home often prevents immediate recovery while the spouse is alive.
• Minor or disabled child protection: If a child under 21 or a permanently disabled child resides in the home, recovery may be limited or deferred.
• Homestead and probate exemptions: Certain probate rules and homestead protections can reduce what is available to creditors, including governmental claims, though those protections have limits for Medicaid estate recovery.
• Hardship considerations: States use waiver or hardship policies in limited circumstances. Connecticut DSS may consider hardship claims; check DSS procedures for details.

What the state cannot do

• Force a living person to sign away title to real property simply to avoid an expected recovery.
• Automatically take your mother’s home without due process—DSS must follow probate and statutory procedures and file claims in accordance with the law.
• Ignore exclusions and protections (surviving spouse, minor/disabled child) required by federal and state policy.

Practical steps to protect yourself and the home

1. Get documents: Obtain Medicaid award and denial notices, copies of any DSS recovery letters, the deed, mortgage statements, title history, and any trust or probate paperwork.
2. Confirm whether DSS has filed a claim or lien: Contact Connecticut DSS or review probate filings after your mother’s death. If DSS has not yet filed, that gives you time to plan.
3. Check who lives in the home: A surviving spouse, a child under 21, or a disabled child may block or delay recovery.
4. Do not sign anything without advice: Refusing to sign a deed is generally wise until you speak with counsel; signing under pressure can create legal problems.
5. Consider professional help: An elder law or probate attorney (Connecticut-licensed) can explain whether estate planning moves could help and represent you if DSS files a claim or lien.
6. Respond to notices on time: If DSS files a claim in probate, there are deadlines and procedural steps to object or negotiate. Missing deadlines can limit options.
7. Explore hardship and repayment options: Connecticut DSS may have procedures to seek a waiver or negotiate repayment; an attorney can guide you through this.

Where to look for the law and official guidance

Federal Medicaid estate recovery authority: 42 U.S.C. § 1396p — see the federal text at govinfo.gov.

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS): general program rules, contact information, and recovery procedures are available from the DSS website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS. For Connecticut statutory law and to search state statutes, use the Connecticut General Assembly site: https://www.cga.ct.gov/.

Helpful Hints

• Keep calm and collect paperwork before taking action. Immediate transfers or signed documents can worsen a case.
• If your parent is alive and can make decisions, discuss estate planning options early with an attorney to avoid unintended Medicaid consequences.
• Be cautious with “Medicaid planning” gimmicks. Transfers solely to avoid Medicaid recovery can be reversed or penalized.
• Ask DSS for any notices in writing and note deadlines. Administrative appeals and probate objections have strict timelines.
• Find a Connecticut probate or elder law attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Legal aid organizations can help if you have limited means.
• Document who paid property expenses and maintain records—these facts can affect whether the home is part of the estate.
• Remember program staff can explain the claim but cannot give legal representation. For legal strategy, seek a lawyer.