Medicaid Eligibility CalculatorsKentucky Medicaid eligibility at a glance
- Kentucky MedicaidProgram
- AdoptedExpansion status
- 138% FPLPeople under 65
- 24% FPL (approx.)Parents and caretakers
- 218% FPLPregnancy
- 218% FPLChildren (up to)
- 855-306-8959Agency phone
- Official siteAgency website
Kentucky income limits for ages 19–64, 2026 (138% FPL)
| Household size | Monthly limit | Yearly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,055 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,894 |
Kentucky Medicaid income limits by group, 2026
| Household | Parents /mo | Pregnancy /mo | Teens 6–18 /mo | Children, top /mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $319 | — | — | — |
| 2 | $433 | $3,931 | $3,931 | $3,931 |
| 3 | $546 | $4,963 | $4,963 | $4,963 |
| 4 | $660 | $5,995 | $5,995 | $5,995 |
| 5 | $774 | $7,027 | $7,027 | $7,027 |
| 6 | $887 | $8,059 | $8,059 | $8,059 |
Children, pregnancy and parent limits use the Medicaid.gov eligibility levels table (state decisions as of December 1, 2023, the latest shown there), plus the 5% disregard, converted to dollars with 2026 poverty guidelines. States can change these, so confirm with your agency.
Kentucky's children's limit of up to 218% of poverty ranks around the middle of the country, and its pregnancy limit of 218% is above most states. Compare all states' income limits.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in Kentucky?
- People: Kentucky has adopted Medicaid expansion, so most people under 65 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
- Parents: with one child and a household of two, the parent limit is about $2,489 a month.
- Pregnant people: a household of two (you and your expected baby) can qualify up to about $3,931 a month.
- Children: a family of four can have up to about $5,995 a month for teens under Medicaid.
- Seniors and people with disabilities: a common benchmark is $1,014 a month and $2,000 in assets for one person. Kentucky's rules may differ, so confirm with the agency.
Kentucky Medicaid examples
- A single person earning $1,735 a month is under the $1,835 limit, so likely eligible.
- A single person earning $2,035 a month is over the limit and should compare Marketplace plans.
- A pregnant person in a household of three earning $4,763 a month is within the pregnancy limit.
- A family of four earning $5,795 a month has teens within the Medicaid limit, even if the parents are over theirs.
Federal poverty levels used for Kentucky
| Household | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $58,020 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $69,055 | $75,060 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $76,894 | $83,580 | $111,440 |
Yearly dollars from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Divide by 12 for a monthly figure.
How to apply for Medicaid in Kentucky
- Check your estimate with the Kentucky Medicaid calculator above.
- Gather proof of identity, address, income and household.
- Apply through the Kentucky Medicaid agency, by calling 855-306-8959, or at HealthCare.gov. Applying is free.
- Answer any requests for more information before the deadline.
- Look for a decision, usually within 45 days, or 90 days if it depends on a disability.
See our full Medicaid application guide and who qualifies.
What Kentucky Medicaid covers
Like every state, Kentucky must cover hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests and X-rays, nursing facility care, home health, family planning, rides to medical care and EPSDT services for children. Optional benefits, such as dental care for people 21 and older and eyeglasses, are up to the state. Ask the agency or your health plan for the current Kentucky benefit list.
Kentucky Medicaid work requirements
Because Kentucky has adopted expansion, most expansion enrollees aged 19 to 64 will need to complete 80 hours a month of qualifying activities starting no later than January 1, 2027. Exemptions include people who are pregnant, medically frail or caring for young children. Check with Kentucky for its start date and how to report.
Seniors and long-term care in Kentucky
Older people and people with disabilities in Kentucky may qualify for coverage, help with Medicare costs, nursing home care or home care through waiver programs. These use separate income, asset and care-need rules, and a 60-month look-back on asset transfers applies to long-term care. See our guide to Medicaid for seniors.
Keeping your Kentucky coverage
- Update your address with the agency when you move.
- Respond to every renewal letter by its deadline.
- Report changes in income or household as required.
- If you're denied, read the notice and ask about a fair hearing, usually within 90 days.
Free help in Kentucky
Trained helpers can assist with applications at no cost. Dial 211, or find a local navigator at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. Be careful of anyone charging a fee to apply. Kentucky residents on Medicaid can also check Lifeline phone discounts and food programs.
Kentucky Medicaid FAQs
What is the Medicaid income limit in Kentucky for 2026?
Most people aged 19–64 can qualify up to 138% of poverty, about $1,835 a month for one person and $3,795 for a family of four.
Did Kentucky expand Medicaid?
Yes. Kentucky is among the 41 jurisdictions that have adopted expansion.
How do I apply for Kentucky Medicaid?
Apply online through the state agency or HealthCare.gov, or call 855-306-8959. It is free and you can apply at any time.
Can pregnant women get Medicaid in Kentucky?
Yes. The published limit is about 218% of poverty, or $3,931 a month for a household of two.
Does Kentucky cover children through Medicaid or CHIP?
Kentucky covers children through Medicaid, including any CHIP-funded coverage, up to about 218% of poverty.
Is the Kentucky Medicaid calculator official?
No. It is an independent estimate. Only the Kentucky Medicaid agency can make a decision.
Agency details from Medicaid.gov. Check the agency site for current contact information.
Other state Medicaid calculators
Benefits to know about in Kentucky
Free Rides with Medicaid
Medicaid must help eligible members get to medical care if they have no other way.
Free Phone with Medicaid
Medicaid qualifies you for Lifeline, a federal phone and internet discount.
Free Eyeglasses with Medicaid
Children on Medicaid can get needed eyeglasses; older enrollees depend on the state.