Kentucky Medicaid & KCHIP
Last updated August 2026
Kentucky Medicaid offers health coverage to low-income individuals, children, families, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities, run by the Department for Medicaid Services. Kentucky expanded Medicaid, so adults 19 to 64 qualify on income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Apply through kynect at kynect.ky.gov, or by phone through DCBS at 855-306-8959, and one application screens you for Medicaid, KCHIP, SNAP, and cash assistance.
Because Kentucky expanded, a single adult without children can qualify on income alone. If you were told years ago that you did not fit any category, that answer may be different now, so apply rather than assume.
Most members get care through a managed care organization, an MCO. Kentucky's current MCOs are Aetna Better Health, Humana Healthy Horizons, Passport Health Plan by Molina, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and WellCare of Kentucky. One note if you had Anthem: Anthem left Kentucky Medicaid on January 1, 2025, and affected members were moved to another plan.
Children have their own door. KCHIP, the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program, covers uninsured kids whose families earn too much for regular Medicaid, and KCHIP applications also go through kynect. A child may qualify even when the parents do not.
The program does more than office visits. It runs Home and Community Based Services waivers, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation to get you to covered appointments, PACE for older adults, and mental health and substance use services. A new CHILD waiver is launching for people 21 and younger with complex needs.
If you cannot get care you need, you have recourse: report the problem on Kentucky Medicaid's Access to Care form so the state can help resolve it. And while an application processes, 2-1-1 can point you to community health centers.
Phone 1-855-459-6328
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Kentucky residents who meet the income rules for their group; adult coverage expanded to low-income adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level
- Children through KCHIP, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at kynect.ky.gov, or by phone through DCBS at 855-306-8959.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, and Kentucky residency ready.
- 3
If approved, choose your managed care plan and a doctor.
- 4
If you cannot get needed care, use the Access to Care form to ask the state for help.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income and Kentucky residency
- Immigration or citizenship documents where they apply.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for Kentucky Medicaid?
Adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138 percent of poverty under expansion, plus children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities under their own rules.
Can a single adult without children qualify?
Yes. Kentucky expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify on income alone up to 138 percent of poverty. An old denial does not settle it.
What about coverage for my kids?
KCHIP covers uninsured children whose families earn too much for regular Medicaid, and it applies through kynect. A child may qualify even when the parents do not.
How do I get care after enrolling?
Most members pick a managed care organization: Aetna Better Health, Humana Healthy Horizons, Passport by Molina, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, or WellCare of Kentucky.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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