Medicaid is a program for families and individuals who have income and resources within the established guidelines. Resources only apply to the aged, blind or disabled population within the established guidelines.
Nursing Facility services include room, dietary services, nutritional supplements, social services, activities, respiratory therapy and supplies, nursing services, the use of equipment and facilities, medical and surgical supplies (prosthetic devices are included only if ordered by a physician), laundry services, drugs ordered by the physician, and personal items routinely provided by the facility. X-rays, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry services, laboratory services, oxygen and related oxygen supplies, and ventilator use are also included, if ordered by the physician. See the Nursing Facilities webpage for more information.
If you are elderly or disabled, Medicaid Waiver programs can provide Medicaid coverage for many different services that help you stay in your home. Waiver services include case management, adult day health care, personal care, respite, and other home and community-based services. See the Medicaid Waiver Services webpage for more information.
The Spenddown Program provides time-limited Medicaid coverage to individuals whose income exceeds eligibility limits by allowing qualifying medical expenses to offset their excess income. Eligibility is determined on a quarterly basis, using either the application month and the following two months or the three months preceding the application month. Medical expenses incurred during the applicable quarter, as well as unpaid qualifying expenses from prior periods, may be applied toward meeting the spenddown amount.
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 created a national Medicaid minimum eligibility level that covers most Americans with household income up to 133% of the federal poverty level with 5% disregard.
Eligibility for Medicaid and Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) is based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) which includes most categories previously included in the Family Medicaid Assistance program. MAGI provides a standardized income calculation.
Individuals or families may apply for Medicaid in one of the following ways:
Eligiblity is divided into five categories:
- Children younger than 19;
- Pregnant women;
- Parents and Caretaker Relatives;
- Adults 19 - 64;
- Foster Care children 19 to 26 who do not receive Medicaid in another category.
Apply for Medicaid
Note: To apply for the Kentucky Children's Insurance Program (KCHIP), please visit the KCHIP website. At the time of application, applicants are asked to provide:
- Social Security number;
- Proof of Identity (driver's license);
- Proof of Citizenship (birth certificate);
- Health insurance;
- If you are pregnant, a doctor's statement verifying pregnancy and expected date of delivery; and
- Income.
- Non-pregnant parents applying for Medicaid for themselves should bring proof of resources (last three months' bank statements, checking or savings account statements, life insurance policies, stocks, and bonds).
Having the required information available at the time of application will likely speed up the application processing. You can submit your application:
To have someone else apply for you,
MAP-14 - Interested Party Authorization Form is required.
Medicare Savings Programs
Kentucky Medicaid provides partial financial assistance with Medicare premiums, deductibles, or coinsurance to certain Medicare beneficiaries who are not entitled to the full Medicaid benefit package through the Medicare Savings Program. These are known as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries, and Qualifying Individuals. To apply, fill out an application for the Kentucky Medicare Savings Program.