Kentucky Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for individuals and families who need medical care but don't have the financial resources to pay for it. Medicaid in Kentucky provides support for more than 1.5 million residents, mainly based on financial and medical needs. 

Kentucky Medicaid works closely with the Department for Community Based Services to process and approve applications for eligible low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and those 65 years of age and older. Applicants who qualify for the Kentucky Medicaid program may be: 

• Under 18 or over 65 
• Blind, disabled or pregnant
• Have a disability or live with a family member who has a disability
• Low-income adults
• Parent or caretaker with children under 18
• Under 21 and in foster care

What Benefits Does Kentucky Medicaid Cover?

The state of Kentucky voluntarily reports information on 20 of 21 health care quality measures, which include standards such as routine medical appointments and preventative care, emergency services and outpatient health visits. 

Kentucky Medicaid programs provide a variety of services, depending on the applicant's health needs, assets and income. Medicaid for blind, disabled and older people includes comprehensive coverage that includes routine doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drug benefits, transportation, therapy and nursing home care. 

Once participants are approved for Kentucky Medicaid, enrollees continue to qualify for benefits as long their financial situation or income does not change. If a beneficiaries’ income, immigration status, household size or residency changes, they must notify the Department for Community Based Services office to let them know.

Children in Kentucky can access health care coverage under the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), which includes the following covered medical benefits:

• Doctor visits
• Dental care
• Hospitalization
• Outpatient hospital services
• Psychiatric services
• X-rays and laboratory tests
• Hearing services
• Vision exams
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Prescription drugs
• Speech therapy
• Glasses
• Well-child checkups
• Immunizations

Kentucky Medicaid Works Program for Disabled Individuals

Medicaid Works in Kentucky is a program for employed people with disabilities. To qualify, eligible applicants must earn less than 133% of the federal poverty level and not exceed $4,000 in personal assets. The maximum qualifying income for people with disabilities in Kentucky is $1,616 per month or $19,391 annually.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Kentucky?

Kentucky residents are eligible for Medicaid if they meet federal guidelines, including income and asset limits that are adjusted for the state. To be eligible for Kentucky Medicaid, you must live in the state and be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien and lack the financial resources to pay for medically necessary care. 

Beneficiaries must also be pregnant, over 65, blind, responsible for a child who is under 18 or have a disability or family member in the household with a disability. To qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky, adult applicants between the ages of 19 and 64 must earn less than 133% of the federal poverty level. 

Pregnant women must earn less than 195% of the federal poverty level — or $28,431 a year for individuals and $58,500 for a family of four.

In Kentucky, children up to 12 months old are eligible for Medicaid or the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) if their family earns less than 213% of the federal poverty level, or $52,400 annually for a family of four. For children ages 1 to 18, that figure is 159% of the federal poverty level — or an estimated $63,900 a year — for a family of four. 

How Do I Enroll in Medicaid in Kentucky?

Applicants have several options for submitting a request for medical support in Kentucky. Applications for traditional Medicaid programs are available online at the Kynect website, where enrollees can explore different health coverage plans, understand the variety of benefits offered and browse resources designed to help users navigate the program. 

If you're eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program in Kentucky, you can enroll in several ways. Applications are available online through the Kentucky Kid’s Health web portal. You can also pick up an application at any local health department, hospital, pharmacy or school facility. 

For assistance completing your application, beneficiaries can call (855) 459-6328. 

You will need to provide proof of income for the last two months, a letter from your employer that details your wages and your employer’s name, address and phone number. If you're self-employed, you will need to submit a copy of your last income tax return. If applying for health care for any children in your household, you'll need to provide proof of citizenship — for kids born outside Kentucky, provide a birth certificate, passport or adoption forms. All Medicaid applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a state driver’s license, military identification or school photo ID.

Contact Information for Kentucky Medicaid

General correspondence and questions can be emailed to dmsweb@ky.gov or sent to the Kentucky Healthcare Customer Service department at: 

275 E. Main Street 3W-A

Frankfort, KY 40621

Telephone inquiries about specific Medicaid services, application categories, noncitizen status and emergency matters can be made by calling (855) 459-6328.