KanCare (Kansas Medicaid & CHIP)
Last updated August 2026
KanCare is the name for Kansas Medicaid and CHIP. It gives free or low cost health coverage. It covers children, pregnant people, some low income parents, adults 65 and older, and people with disabilities. Apply at ApplyForKanCare.ks.gov, or call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884.
Read this part carefully. Kansas did not expand Medicaid. So a low income adult who is not pregnant, not disabled, not elderly, and not caring for a dependent child generally cannot get KanCare, no matter how low the income. If you are not sure which group fits you, apply anyway and let the program decide.
Each medical program under KanCare has its own income rules. Your household income must fall under the limit for the program you apply for. KanCare counts gross income, the amount before taxes, and then subtracts some deductions. Because the limits differ by group and are not posted as one simple chart, call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884 to check your income for your group.
The asset rules split by group. Plans for families and children have no resource limit, so a small bank balance will not knock a family or child out. Most plans for the elderly and for people with disabilities do have a resource limit.
Coverage can start quickly and reach back. It usually starts the month you apply. You may also ask for coverage for the three months before your application month. So if you have recent medical bills, ask about that back coverage.
Two rules keep coverage smooth. If you have other health insurance, you must use it first, and providers bill Medicaid after. KanCare also reviews your case each year, so keep your address current to get your renewal form. You may qualify, but the program decides. While you wait, dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center.
Phone 1-800-792-4884
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Kansas residents who meet the income rules for their group: children, pregnant people, low-income parents and caretakers, adults 65 and older, and people with disabilities
- Kansas did not expand Medicaid, so low-income adults without dependent children and without a qualifying disability generally cannot get KanCare; apply anyway if you are unsure which group fits
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at ApplyForKanCare.ks.gov, or call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884.
- 2
List everyone living in your home; the eligibility worker decides who counts in your household.
- 3
Call the Clearinghouse to check the income limit for your group, since limits differ by program.
- 4
If you have recent medical bills, ask about coverage for the three months before you applied.
- 5
Keep your address current so your yearly renewal form reaches you.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income for the household
- Any other health insurance details. The Clearinghouse confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Can a single adult with no children get KanCare?
Usually no. Kansas did not expand Medicaid, so a low income adult who is not pregnant, disabled, elderly, or caring for a child generally does not qualify. Apply anyway if you are unsure.
What is the income limit?
It differs by group and is not posted as one chart. Call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884 to check the limit for your group.
Is there an asset limit?
Plans for families and children have no resource limit. Most plans for the elderly and for people with disabilities do have one.
Can KanCare cover past bills?
It can. Coverage usually starts the month you apply, and you may ask for coverage for the three months before that month.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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