To qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky, you must be a resident of the state and meet certain income and asset limits. Income limits vary depending on your family size and whether you are pregnant or have a disability. Asset limits are also in place and include things like bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. To apply, you can visit your local Medicaid office or submit an application online. You will need to provide documentation of your income, assets, and household size. If you are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card that you can use to pay for covered medical expenses.
Medicaid Expansion in Kentucky
Kentucky expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in July 2014. This expansion made Medicaid available to adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). As a result of the expansion, Medicaid coverage increased significantly in Kentucky, with the number of people enrolled in the program increasing from 582,000 in 2013 to 1.3 million in 2016.
However, in 2017, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill that would have imposed work requirements and other restrictions on Medicaid eligibility. This bill was vetoed by Governor Matt Bevin, but it was later upheld by the Kentucky Supreme Court.
In 2019, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a new Medicaid expansion bill that included work requirements and other restrictions. This bill was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, and it went into effect on July 1, 2020. The new law requires Medicaid recipients to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Recipients are also required to pay premiums and copayments for some services.
Who is Eligible for Medicaid in Kentucky?
To be eligible for Medicaid in Kentucky, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Kentucky resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Be between the ages of 19 and 64.
- Have an income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
- Not be eligible for Medicare.
There are some exceptions to these eligibility requirements. For example, pregnant women and children under the age of 19 are eligible for Medicaid regardless of their income. People with disabilities are also eligible for Medicaid, regardless of their age or income.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Kentucky
To apply for Medicaid in Kentucky, you can:
- Apply online at the Kentucky Medicaid website.
- Call the Kentucky Medicaid office at 1-855-306-8959.
- Visit your local Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) office.
You will need to provide the following information when you apply for Medicaid:
- Your name, address, and date of birth.
- Your Social Security number.
- Your income information.
- Information about your assets.
- Proof of your Kentucky residency.
Medicaid Benefits in Kentucky
Medicaid provides a wide range of benefits to eligible individuals in Kentucky, including:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Long-term care
The amount of your Medicaid benefits will depend on your income and family size.
Costs of Medicaid in Kentucky
Medicaid is a government-funded program, so there are no premiums or copayments for most services. However, you may have to pay a small copayment for some services, such as prescription drugs.
The cost of Medicaid to the state of Kentucky is approximately $3 billion per year. The federal government pays for about 60% of this cost, and the state pays for the remaining 40%.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $18,754 |
| 2 | $25,463 |
| 3 | $32,172 |
| 4 | $38,881 |
| 5 | $45,590 |
| 6 | $52,299 |
| 7 | $59,008 |
| 8 | $65,717 |
Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid in Kentucky
To qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following:
Income and Resource Limits
Your income and resources must meet certain limits to qualify for Medicaid. For individuals, the income limit is 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), while the resource limit is $2,000. For families, the income limit is 100% of the FPL, and the resource limit is $3,000.
Age and Disability
You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen and meet certain age or disability requirements to be eligible for Medicaid. Children under 19, pregnant women, and people with disabilities are eligible for Medicaid, regardless of their income or resources.
Residency
You must be a resident of Kentucky to qualify for Medicaid. You must provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, when you apply for Medicaid.
Other Requirements
You may also be eligible for Medicaid if you meet additional requirements, such as being a foster child or being enrolled in a managed care organization. Contact the Kentucky Medicaid office for more information about additional eligibility requirements.
Table: Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in Kentucky
| Requirement | Details |
| Income | 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for individuals, 100% of the FPL for families |
| Resources | $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for families |
| Age | Children under 19 |
| Disability | Adults with disabilities |
| Pregnancy | Pregnant women |
| Residency | Kentucky resident |
How to Apply for Medicaid in Kentucky
Applying for Medicaid in Kentucky is a multi-step process that begins with determining your eligibility. Here are the steps involved:
Determine Your Eligibility
To qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:
- Income limits: Your income must fall within the state’s Medicaid income limits.
- Age requirements: You must be under 19, over 65, or meet other specific age-related criteria.
- Disability status: You may qualify if you have a disability that prevents you from working.
- Pregnancy status: Pregnant women may qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Gather Required Documents
Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to gather the required documents to support your application. These may include:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate.
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
- Proof of disability, if applicable, such as a doctor’s statement.
- Proof of pregnancy, if applicable, such as a doctor’s statement.
Complete the Application
You can apply for Medicaid in Kentucky online, by mail, or in person at your local Department of Medicaid Services office. The application will ask for information about your income, assets, household members, and health status.
Submit Your Application
Once you have completed the application, you must submit it to the Department of Medicaid Services. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. You will be notified of the status of your application within 45 days.
Attend an Interview (if required)
In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview with a Medicaid representative to verify your eligibility. The interview will be scheduled after you have submitted your application.
Receive Your Medicaid Coverage
If you are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card in the mail. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the month following the month in which you are approved.
Table: Medicaid Income Limits in Kentucky
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $17,655 |
| 2 | $23,790 |
| 3 | $29,925 |
| 4 | $36,060 |
| 5 | $42,195 |
| 6 | $48,330 |
| 7 | $54,465 |
| 8 | $60,600 |
Benefits and Services Covered by Medicaid in Kentucky
Medicaid, a joint federal and state health insurance program, provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families in Kentucky. The program covers a wide range of medical services, including:
- Preventive care, such as well-child visits, screenings, and immunizations
- Doctor’s visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Dental and vision care
- Home health care
- Nursing home care
- Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks
- Transportation to medical appointments
To be eligible for Medicaid in Kentucky, individuals and families must meet certain income and asset requirements. The income limits vary depending on the size of the household and the type of Medicaid coverage being applied for. In general, households with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for full Medicaid benefits. Households with incomes between 138% and 400% of the FPL may be eligible for limited Medicaid benefits, such as coverage for children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.
To apply for Medicaid in Kentucky, individuals and families can submit an application online or through their local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. The application process typically involves providing proof of income, assets, and identity. Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a DCBS eligibility specialist who will determine if the applicant meets the program’s requirements.
| Category | Covered Services |
|---|---|
| Preventive Care | Well-child visits, screenings, immunizations |
| Doctor’s Visits and Specialist Care | Office visits, specialist consultations, routine checkups |
| Hospital Stays | Inpatient care, emergency room visits |
| Prescription Drugs | Generic and brand-name medications |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment | Individual and group therapy, medication management |
| Dental and Vision Care | Cleanings, fillings, extractions, eyeglasses, contact lenses |
| Home Health Care | Skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy |
| Nursing Home Care | Long-term care, skilled nursing care, custodial care |
| Durable Medical Equipment | Wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds |
| Transportation to Medical Appointments | Non-emergency medical transportation |
Hey there, folks! That’s all she wrote for this guide on qualifying for Medicaid in Kentucky. I hope y’all found it helpful. Remember, Medicaid is a valuable program that can provide you with the healthcare coverage you need. If you think you might qualify, don’t hesitate to apply. And if you have any questions or need more information, be sure to check out the Kentucky Medicaid website or give them a call. Thanks for reading, y’all. Stay healthy and I’ll see you next time!