Kentucky Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is Kentucky Medicaid?

Kentucky's Medicaid program is administered by the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS), a division of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, making it available to most adults ages 19 through 64 with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. As of 2025, approximately 1.5 million Kentuckians are enrolled — about 34% of the state's population.

Kentucky Medicaid operates through managed care organizations (MCOs). Members are enrolled in one of the contracted plans: Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, Humana Healthy Horizons of Kentucky, Passport Health Plan by Molina, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, or WellCare of Kentucky. Note that Anthem Kentucky Managed Care Plan is no longer a Kentucky Medicaid MCO, having exited the program effective January 1, 2025. Former Anthem members were transitioned to other MCOs.

Members apply and manage their coverage through kynect — Kentucky's integrated benefits portal at kynect.ky.gov. Kynect handles eligibility for Medicaid, KCHIP, and marketplace coverage through a single application.

Who qualifies for Kentucky Medicaid?

• Adults ages 19–64 with income at or below 138% FPL (ACA expansion)
• Children under 19 — standard Medicaid below KCHIP threshold
• KCHIP: children up to 218% FPL (Kentucky's CHIP program)
• Pregnant women up to approximately 195% FPL
• People age 65+ or with qualifying disabilities — income and asset limits apply
• Former foster care youth up to age 26 — no income limit

Because Kentucky expanded Medicaid, a single adult without children earning below 138% FPL qualifies for full coverage. There is no asset test for MAGI-based groups — savings and vehicles do not affect eligibility.

Kentucky Medicaid managed care: your MCO options

When you are approved for Kentucky Medicaid, you will be assigned to or choose from the available MCOs in your region. Each MCO manages a network of providers, handles prior authorization requests, and delivers the Medicaid benefit package. Contact information for current Kentucky MCOs:

• Aetna Better Health of Kentucky — aetnabetterhealth.com/kentucky
• Humana Healthy Horizons of Kentucky — humana.com/medicaid/kentucky-medicaid
• Passport Health Plan by Molina — passporthealthplan.com
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan — uhccommunityplan.com/ky
• WellCare of Kentucky — wellcare.com/Kentucky

You can switch MCOs during an annual open enrollment window or with a qualifying reason (such as a provider leaving your network). Contact kynect at 1-855-459-6328 or DMS for help comparing plans.

Rural Health Transformation in Kentucky

Kentucky will receive $212.9 million over five years through the CMS Rural Health Transformation Fund, announced in 2025, to address health challenges in rural parts of the state. This funding specifically targets Medicaid members and providers in rural communities where access to specialists, behavioral health, and primary care is limited. Learn more at ruralhealthplan.ky.gov.

Kentucky Medicaid topics

What does Kentucky 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 Kentucky Medicaid website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through Kentucky'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). Kentucky must follow that federal timeline.