Kansas Medicaid
Last verified: June 2026
Informational resource — not affiliated with Kansas
Kansas has not expanded Medicaid — most adults without children or a disability do not qualify for KanCare
What is KanCare, Kansas's Medicaid program?
KanCare is the name of Kansas's Medicaid and CHIP program. Two state agencies share responsibility for its administration. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), specifically the Division of Health Care Finance (DHCF), handles eligibility, enrollment, and overall program management. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) administers waiver programs and long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities.
KanCare delivers benefits through managed care. Per kancare.ks.gov, all KanCare members receive services through one of three contracted managed care organizations: Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Sunflower Health Plan (Centene), and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas. Members can choose their MCO during enrollment. As of 2025, approximately 420,000 Kansans are enrolled in KanCare.
Kansas also administers MediKan, a smaller state-only funded program for low-income individuals who are applying for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) but have not yet been approved. MediKan provides a bridge until SSI/SSDI approval comes through, at which point the individual typically transitions to KanCare Medicaid.
Who qualifies for KanCare?
Per KDHE and kancare.ks.gov, medical assistance is only available to certain covered groups. Individuals who do not fall into one of the following groups do not qualify, regardless of income.
Children up to age 19
Covered under KanCare Medicaid up to a moderate income limit, then through HealthWave (Kansas CHIP) at higher incomes up to 238% FPL. Children in foster care and those with adoption support payments are covered regardless of income. Former foster care youth up to age 26 who were in care at age 18 also qualify.
Pregnant women
Qualifying pregnant women receive KanCare coverage up to 171% FPL. Benefits continue through delivery and into the postpartum period.
Low-income families with children
Adult parents and caretaker relatives caring for children under 19 may qualify, but at very low income thresholds. Per KDHE, this category covers adult caretaker relatives with income below the program limit — which is substantially below 100% FPL. Adults without children in the household do not qualify under this group.
Persons who are blind or disabled (by Social Security rules)
Individuals who meet Social Security's definition of disability or blindness may qualify. SSI recipients qualify automatically. This includes both adults and children with qualifying disabilities.
Persons aged 65 or older
Seniors meeting income and (for long-term care) asset requirements qualify. KanCare covers nursing facility care and home and community-based waiver services for eligible seniors.
Source: kancare.ks.gov eligibility page; KDHE Division of Health Care Finance. Call 1-800-792-4884 for eligibility questions or apply through the KEES portal at cssp.kees.ks.gov.
KanCare CHIP (HealthWave) and MediKan
HealthWave is Kansas's Children's Health Insurance Program, covering uninsured children up to age 19 whose family income exceeds the Medicaid limit but falls at or below 238% FPL. HealthWave is delivered through the same KanCare managed care organizations as Medicaid, using the same application process through KEES. Small monthly premiums may apply for some HealthWave families.
MediKan is a distinct, entirely state-funded program. It covers adults who are pursuing Social Security disability benefits and who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid. MediKan provides a medical coverage bridge — often several months to a year or more — while SSI or SSDI applications are being processed. Once approved for SSI, most MediKan members transition to KanCare Medicaid. MediKan has its own income and asset limits; contact DCF for current requirements.
Kansas Medicaid topics
How to apply
Income limits
Dental coverage
Seniors and long-term care
Medicaid renewal
CHIP
What does KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) cover?
Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.
The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) website for the current state-specific benefit package.
How to apply
Most people can apply online through Kansas's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.
Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Kansas must follow that federal timeline.