Kentucky Medicaid Eligibility 2026 

Medicaid is a health program that helps cover medical costs for people with limited income and resources. In Kentucky, it’s called Kentucky Medicaid and is run by the state with help from the federal government.

It pays for things like doctor visits, hospital stays, and medicines. Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means more low-income adults can get coverage without strict work rules.

This makes it less restrictive than in states that didn’t expand.

Eligibility can feel tricky because it depends on your income, assets, family size, and what group you fit into, like being a child, pregnant, or needing long-term care. Rules for seniors or people in nursing homes are different from those for families.

This article is updated for January 2026 changes, including new federal poverty levels that affect income caps. We’ll cover long-term care differences, like higher income limits but tougher asset checks.

If you’re a Kentuckian worried about health bills, this guide can help you see if you qualify.

Quick Overview

• Who Qualifies: Low-income children, pregnant women, parents or caretakers of kids, adults aged 19–64 under 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), seniors 65+, people with disabilities, and those needing long-term care like nursing homes or home services.
• Who Does Not Qualify: People with income or assets over the limits for their group, undocumented immigrants (except for emergency care), or those who don’t meet medical needs for disability or long-term care programs.
• Income and Asset Rules: Income is based on federal poverty levels; assets are checked mainly for seniors, disabled, and long-term care applicants.
• Parents’ Limits: Parents qualify up to 138% FPL if caring for dependent kids under 19.
• Seniors/Disabled Differences: They may use SSI income levels or medically needy paths if over limits.
• Long-Term Care Medicaid: Higher income cap of $2,982 monthly for singles, but strict $2,000 asset limit; applies to nursing homes and home-based services.
• Legal Planning Tools (Miller Trust, Medically Needy): Use a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) to handle excess income; medically needy option lets you spend down on medical bills.
• Application Tips: Apply online at kynect.ky.gov, gather pay stubs and ID, and report changes quickly to keep coverage.

2026 Long-Term Care Income and Asset Limits (Kentucky)

Long-term care Medicaid in Kentucky has different rules from standard coverage because it focuses on ongoing needs like nursing homes or home help.

Unlike regular Medicaid, which might not check assets for kids or expansion adults, long-term care requires both income and asset tests.

These rules apply to people in nursing facilities, on home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, or in institutional care.

Core financial limits for 2026: Singles can have up to $2,982 monthly income; married couples (both applying) up to $5,964 ($2,982 each). Assets are capped at $2,000 for a single person or $4,000 if both spouses apply.

Spousal protections include the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, letting the healthy spouse keep up to $162,660 in assets.

What Counts as Income?

Kentucky counts most money you get as income for long-term care Medicaid. This includes:

• Social Security benefits
• Pensions
• VA payments
• IRA distributions
• Rental income
• Wages from work (after deductions)

For long-term care, Kentucky has strict caps, so even small extras can push you over unless you use planning tools.

Qualified Income Trust / Miller Trust

If your income is over the $2,982 cap, a Qualified Income Trust, also called a Miller Trust, lets you deposit the extra into an irrevocable trust.

This makes the excess not count toward eligibility. The trust money can only pay for your medical costs, and it’s common in Kentucky for long-term care planning.

A trustee handles it, and it protects your care without losing eligibility.

Asset Rules Explained

Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and non-home property. Exempt ones are:

• Your main home (if equity is under $752,000 and you plan to return)
• One car
• Personal items and household goods

Giving away assets improperly can lead to a penalty period where Medicaid won’t pay for care.

Married Couples Protections

To avoid leaving one spouse poor, Kentucky has the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). The non-applicant spouse can keep half the couple’s assets, up to $162,660 max or $32,532 min.

There’s also the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA), from $2,644 to $4,066.50, to cover living costs. These rules prevent spousal impoverishment.

Why Long-Term Care Medicaid Is Different

It allows higher income like $2,982 monthly, but tests assets strictly at $2,000 for singles. You can use legal tools like Miller Trusts, unlike standard Medicaid. It’s not tied to expansion rules and requires proving medical need for ongoing care.

What Is Medicaid and how does it work in Kentucky

Kentucky Medicaid follows federal guidelines but is tailored for the state.

It covers basics like doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive check-ups. Kids get dental and vision; adults focus on emergency and primary care.

Eligibility fits categories, and the state uses kynect for sign-ups.

Who Qualifies for Kentucky Medicaid in 2026?

• Children from low-income households up to 159% FPL for ages 1–18, 195% for under 1.
• Pregnant women up to 200% FPL.
• Parents/caretakers of minors up to 138% FPL.
• Seniors 65+ with low income/assets.
• People with disabilities meeting SSI rules.
• Individuals needing long-term care at nursing home level.
• Able-bodied adults without kids qualify under expansion up to 138% FPL.

Income Rules Depend on Your Category

Children and pregnant women have higher limits, like 200% FPL for moms-to-be. Parents stick to 138% FPL. Seniors and disabled often follow $235 monthly medically needy or $2,982 for long-term care. Your category decides the cap more than just income.

Kentucky Medicaid Income Limits (2025 Table – Pending 2026 Update)

Note: These are 2025 values; the table will be updated after official 2026 release.

Does Kentucky Count Assets for Medicaid Eligibility?

No asset limits for children, pregnant women, or expansion adults.

Seniors and disabled face $2,000 individual caps. Countable assets are savings and investments; home and car are often exempt.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors and Long-Term Care in Kentucky (2026)

Seniors need medical proof of disability or care needs. Spend-down lets you pay bills to meet limits. Apply at county DCBS offices. Covers nursing, HCBS like aides at home.

Can You Get Medicaid While Working?

Yes, kids stay covered even if parents work. Adults can too if under 138% FPL. Part-time or gig jobs count in income, but deductions help.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Kentucky (Step-by-Step)

1. Check eligibility on kynect.ky.gov.
2. Gather documents like ID, pay stubs, bank info.
3. Apply online, in-person at DCBS, by mail, or phone (1-855-306-8959).
4. Submit and track online.

What Happens After You Apply?

The state reviews your info. They may ask for more documents. You’ll get a decision by mail or online.

How Long Does Medicaid Approval Take in Kentucky?

Standard apps take 45 days; disability or long-term care up to 90 days. Delays happen if info is missing.

Common Reasons Kentucky Medicaid Applications Are Denied

Income too high, wrong household count, missing papers, or asset overages for seniors.

Medicaid vs CHIP in Kentucky (2026)

Medicaid is for lowest incomes with no premiums. KCHIP covers kids above Medicaid limits with low costs. Apply via kynect.

Key Takeaways

Kentucky Medicaid helps many, but rules vary by group, kids and pregnant get higher income caps, while long-term care checks assets tightly. Expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL. Remember January 2026 updates to poverty levels. Look ahead: rules may tweak with federal changes.