Last Updated: January 17, 2026
Kentucky Medicaid helps low-income residents get free or low-cost health coverage.
Income limits vary by household size and category. Most adults qualify if they earn up to $1,732 per month.
Quick Summary:
- Adults qualify at 138% of poverty level ($21,597/year for one person)
- Children qualify at higher income limits (up to $34,117/year)
- Pregnant women get coverage at 200% poverty level ($31,300/year)
- Seniors and disabled adults have different income and asset rules
- 2026 limits updated January 1 for SSI; April update coming for families
- KCHIP covers kids when income exceeds Medicaid limits
What Is Medicaid in Kentucky and Who Is It For?
Kentucky Medicaid is a state and federal health insurance program. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more.
The program serves people with limited income. It’s free for most who qualify.
Who Can Get Medicaid in Kentucky?
Medicaid covers several groups:
- Low-income adults ages 19-64
- Children under 19
- Pregnant women and new mothers
- Seniors age 65 and older
- People with disabilities
Each group has different income limits.
Is Medicaid Income-Based in Kentucky?
Yes. Your household income determines eligibility.
Kentucky expanded Medicaid in 2014. This lets more adults qualify.
Your household size matters too. A family of four can earn more than a single person.
What Are the Kentucky Medicaid Income Limits for 2026?
Important Update: Kentucky uses different dates for different groups.
- Seniors and disabled adults: New 2026 limits started January 1, 2026
- Adults, children, and pregnant women: Using 2025 limits until April 2026
Kentucky typically updates family limits in April each year.
How Medicaid Income Limits Are Calculated
Kentucky uses the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The FPL is a national income standard. It changes yearly based on inflation.
Kentucky sets limits as percentages of FPL:
- Adults: 138% of FPL
- Children: 218% of FPL
- Pregnant women: 200% of FPL
Kentucky Medicaid Monthly Income Limits (2026)
Most people think in monthly terms, not yearly.
Here’s what matters:
- Monthly income is what you earn each month
- Annual income is monthly income times 12
- Both are used to check eligibility
The tables below show both monthly and yearly limits.
Kentucky Medicaid Income Limits by Household Size
Current through April 2026 (based on 2025 FPL)
| Household Size | Adults (138%) | Children (218%) | Pregnant Women (200%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,732/month ($21,597/year) | $2,842/month ($34,117/year) | $2,510/month ($31,300/year) |
| 2 People | $2,351/month ($29,187/year) | $3,714/month ($46,107/year) | $3,407/month ($42,300/year) |
| 3 People | $2,969/month ($36,777/year) | $4,691/month ($58,097/year) | $4,303/month ($53,300/year) |
| 4 People | $3,588/month ($44,367/year) | $5,668/month ($70,087/year) | $5,200/month ($64,300/year) |
Expected April 2026 Update (projected based on new 2026 FPL):
| Household Size | Adults (138%) | Children (218%) | Pregnant Women (200%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,835/month | $3,013/month | $2,660/month |
| 2 People | $2,489/month | $3,932/month | $3,607/month |
| 3 People | $3,142/month | $4,964/month | $4,553/month |
| 4 People | $3,795/month | $5,995/month | $5,500/month |
Source: Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
Income Limits for a Single Adult
A single adult can earn up to $1,732 per month right now.
This is for adults ages 19-64 without Medicare. This falls under Kentucky’s Medicaid expansion.
If you earn more, you may qualify for subsidized marketplace insurance.
Medicaid Income Limits for Families (2–5+ People)
Limits increase with each household member:
- Family of 2: $2,351/month (adults)
- Family of 3: $2,969/month (adults)
- Family of 4: $3,588/month (adults)
- Family of 5: $4,207/month (adults)
For families over 8 people, add $619 per person to the monthly limit.
Income Limits for Children, Pregnant Women, and Parents
Medicaid Income Limits for Children
Children qualify at much higher income levels than adults.
Current limit: Up to $34,117 per year for one child.
Why? Kentucky wants all kids to have health coverage. Families with moderate income still qualify.
Pregnancy Medicaid Income Guidelines
Pregnant women can earn up to $31,300 per year (one person).
Coverage includes:
- Prenatal care
- Delivery
- Postpartum care for 12 months after birth
This is higher than the adult limit. Many working mothers qualify.
Parents and Caretakers: Different Rules Explained
Parents caring for children qualify under adult expansion (138%).
This is the same as childless adults. Kentucky treats them equally.
Before 2014, parents had lower limits. Expansion changed this.
Kentucky KCHIP Income Limits (2026)
Which column should I use? Use the Current Limit (Effective Now) if you are applying today.
The April 2026 Estimate shows the projected new limits once Kentucky adopts the 2026 FPL guidelines (likely in April).
| Household Size | Current Limit (Now) | April 2026 Estimate |
| 2 People | $3,714 | $3,931 |
| 3 People | $4,691 | $4,963 |
| 4 People | $5,668 | $5,995 |
| 5 People | $6,646 | $7,027 |
| 6 People | $7,623 | $8,059 |
| Each Add’l Person | $978 | $1,032 |
Key Eligibility Rules
- The 5% Buffer: If your income is slightly over the limit (between 218% and 223% FPL), a 5% income disregard is applied, which may still allow you to qualify.
- Unborn Children: Kentucky counts an unborn child as a household member. For example, a pregnant woman with no other children is considered a household of 2.
- Zero Premiums: Unlike some states, Kentucky does not charge monthly premiums for KCHIP tiers. Families with higher incomes may have small co-pays for services.
What Is KCHIP and How Is It Different from Medicaid?
KCHIP is the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program.
It covers kids when family income is too high for Medicaid. KCHIP has low monthly premiums ($15-$40).
Many middle-class families qualify for KCHIP.
KCHIP Income Limits by Family Size
KCHIP covers uninsured children up to 218% of poverty level.
Current KCHIP limits:
- Family of 2: $3,714/month
- Family of 3: $4,691/month
- Family of 4: $5,668/month
If your child doesn’t qualify for free Medicaid, check KCHIP.
Source: KCHIP Official Site
Do Seniors and Disabled Adults Have Different Income Limits?
Yes. The rules are very different.
Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors (65+)
Seniors on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify.
2026 SSI income limits (effective January 1, 2026):
- Individual: $994/month ($11,928/year)
- Couple: $1,491/month ($17,892/year)
These limits reflect the 2.8% cost-of-living increase for 2026.
Source: Social Security Administration
Medicaid for Disabled Adults in Kentucky
Disabled adults follow the same SSI limits as seniors.
Asset limits also apply:
- Individual: $2,000 in countable assets
- Couple: $4,000 in countable assets
Assets include bank accounts and investments. Your home and one car don’t count.
For nursing home care, there’s a higher waiver limit: $2,982/month.
What Counts as Income for Kentucky Medicaid?
Income That Counts Toward Medicaid Eligibility
Kentucky counts most money you receive:
- Wages and salaries
- Social Security benefits
- Unemployment compensation
- Pension payments
- Self-employment income
- Rental income
- Alimony
Income That Does Not Count
Some money is excluded:
- Federal tax refunds
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit
- SSI payments (for certain programs)
- Some child support (varies by case)
Medicaid workers verify your income during the application.
What If My Income Is Slightly Over the Limit?
Can You Still Qualify If You’re Over the Income Limit?
Maybe. Kentucky has a “spend down” program.
This is called Medically Needy Medicaid. You deduct medical bills from your income.
If bills are high enough, you can still qualify. The spend down threshold is $217/month.
Other Low-Cost Health Coverage Options in Kentucky
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, try:
- Kynect Marketplace: Income-based subsidies available
- Medicare Savings Programs: Help for seniors with Medicare
- Employer coverage: Check if your job offers insurance
A Medicaid denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Source: Kynect Health Coverage
How to Apply for Medicaid in Kentucky
What You Need Before Applying
Gather these documents:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying
- Proof of Kentucky residency
- Birth certificates or ID
You can apply three ways:
- Online: Visit benefind.ky.gov
- Phone: Call 855-459-6328
- In person: Local Department for Community Based Services office
How Long Does Medicaid Approval Take?
Kentucky processes most applications within 30-45 days.
Disability cases may take up to 90 days. You’ll get a letter with the decision.
Emergency Medicaid can start immediately for urgent needs.
Key Takeaways: Kentucky Medicaid Income Limits Explained Simply
Who qualifies:
- Adults earning under $1,732/month (current)
- Children in families earning under $5,668/month (family of 4)
- Seniors and disabled adults earning under $994/month
Why income limits vary:
- Different groups have different percentage thresholds
- Household size changes the dollar amount
- Seniors follow SSI rules, not poverty level
What to do next:
- Check if your income is under the limit for your household size
- Gather your income documents
- Apply online at benefind.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328
- If denied, ask about spend down or marketplace options
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Kentucky Medicaid income limits for 2026?
Adults may qualify up to about 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on household size. Other groups like children and pregnant women often qualify at higher limits. The exact 2026 income limits for adults and children will be announced in January 2026 and take effect April 1, 2026.
2. Can my child get Kentucky Medicaid in 2026 even if I don’t qualify?
Yes. Children may be eligible under Medicaid or KCHIP, often allowing a higher income threshold than adult coverage. Children can qualify at income levels up to 218% of the Federal Poverty Level.
3. Does Kentucky Medicaid cover pregnant women in 2026?
Yes. Pregnant women with incomes up to around 200% of the FPL can get full coverage for prenatal care and delivery, and often up to 12 months postpartum.
4. What if I’m over the income limit but need long-term care?
Kentucky has special programs (like “medically needy” or long-term care Medicaid) where even if your income is over standard limits you may qualify based on medical needs or spend-down rules. As of January 2026, single individuals with income up to $2,982 per month may qualify for long-term care Medicaid.
5. What if my Kentucky Medicaid application is denied?
You have the right to appeal. You can submit supporting documents and request a hearing. If you are unsure, free legal assistance is available in Kentucky.
6. When will the 2026 income limits be updated?
The Federal Poverty Level for 2026 will be published in January 2026. Kentucky will implement the new income limits on April 1, 2026. Long-term care limits were already updated on January 1, 2026.
What is KCHIP and how does it differ from Medicaid?
KCHIP is Kentucky’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. It covers kids when family income exceeds Medicaid limits. KCHIP has small monthly premiums ($15-$40) while Medicaid is usually free.
What is the asset limit for Kentucky Medicaid 2026?
For seniors and disabled adults, the asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples. Most adults and children have no asset test—only income matters for them.
Need Help Applying?
Visit benefind.ky.gov or call 1-855-459-6328 to apply for Kentucky Medicaid today.
Information current as of January 17, 2026. Income limits subject to change in April 2026.
