Last Updated: February 2026 | Sources: CHFS, kynect, Medicaid.gov
Kentucky Medicaid income limits in 2026 depend on your age, household size, and the program you apply for.
Most adults ages 19–64 qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — about $22,025 per year for a single person.
Pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities have different limits.
⚡ Quick Answer Summary
| Program | Who It Covers | 2026 Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion | Adults 19–64 | $22,025/year (individual) |
| Pregnant Women | All income levels | $31,920/year (individual) |
| Children (KCHIP) | Under age 19 | $59,558/year (family of 3) |
| Long-Term Care | Seniors & disabled | $2,982/month |
| Spend Down | Over-limit applicants | $217/month threshold |
| SSI Pathway | Seniors & disabled (SSI) | $994/month (individual) |
Bottom line: Most adults in Kentucky qualify if they earn under $22,025/year. Seniors, disabled individuals, and long-term care applicants follow separate rules. Keep reading for full details by household size.
Page Contents
- 1 Who Qualifies for Kentucky Medicaid in 2026?
- 2 2026 MAGI Medicaid Income Limits (Adults, Children, Pregnant Women)
- 3 2026 Aged, Blind & Disabled (Non-MAGI) Income Limits
- 4 The Spend Down (Medically Needy) Program
- 5 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines — Kentucky Reference Table
- 6 Important 2026 Effective Dates
- 7 What Services Does Kentucky Medicaid Cover?
- 8 How to Apply for Kentucky Medicaid in 2026
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 9.1 Q1: What is the Kentucky Medicaid income limit for a single person in 2026?
- 9.2 Q2: Does Kentucky Medicaid have an asset limit in 2026?
- 9.3 Q3: Can I qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky if I earn too much?
- 9.4 Q4: What are the KCHIP income limits for 2026 in Kentucky?
- 9.5 Q5: When do Kentucky Medicaid income limits update in 2026?
- 9.6 Q6: Will work requirements affect my Kentucky Medicaid in 2026?
- 10 Official Sources
Who Qualifies for Kentucky Medicaid in 2026?
Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014. This means more people qualify than ever before.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) oversees the program and uses two eligibility methods: MAGI (for most families, adults, and children) and Non-MAGI (for seniors, disabled individuals, and long-term care applicants).
Understanding Kentucky Medicaid eligibility in 2026 is the first step before checking your specific income limit. Your household size, income type, and age all affect which program covers you.
MAGI vs. Non-MAGI: What’s the Difference?
- MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income): Used for adults 19–64, pregnant women, and children. No asset test applies.
- Non-MAGI: Used for seniors (65+), blind or disabled individuals, and long-term care applicants. Asset limits do apply.
2026 MAGI Medicaid Income Limits (Adults, Children, Pregnant Women)
These income limits are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL = $15,960/year for 1 person). Kentucky’s eligibility system, kynect, typically updates MAGI limits on April 1, 2026. Until then, 2025 limits apply for this group.
| Eligibility Category | FPL % | Individual (Annual) | Family of 3 (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (Expansion) Ages 19–64 | 138% | $22,025 | $37,702 |
| Pregnant Women | 200% | $31,920 | $54,640 |
| Children (KCHIP) Under Age 19 | 218% | N/A (Child) | $59,558 |
Note: Figures are projected based on 2026 FPL guidelines released in January 2026. Final figures are pending official state publication.
Adults Ages 19–64 (ACA Medicaid Expansion)
Adults between 19 and 64 who do not have a disability can still qualify for Medicaid through the ACA expansion. The income limit is 138% FPL, equal to about $22,025/year (individual) or $1,835/month.
No asset test applies. You may also qualify for up to 12 months of postpartum coverage after giving birth under this pathway.
Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, Kentucky counts your unborn child as a household member. This means a pregnant woman with no other children is considered a household of 2.
The income limit rises to 200% FPL, which is roughly $31,920/year. Coverage includes prenatal visits, hospital delivery, and postpartum care.
Children — Medicaid and KCHIP
Kentucky covers children under Medicaid and the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP):
- Children under age 1: Up to 200% FPL (~$31,920/year)
- Children ages 1–18 (Medicaid): Up to 147% FPL (~$23,461/year)
- Children under 19 (KCHIP): Up to 218% FPL (~$59,558 for a family of 3)
Kentucky applies a 5% income disregard for KCHIP. If your family income falls between 218% and 223% FPL, you may still qualify. There are no monthly premiums for most KCHIP tiers.
2026 Aged, Blind & Disabled (Non-MAGI) Income Limits
For individuals aged 65+, blind, or disabled who need nursing home care or Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver services, different income rules apply.
These limits follow the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which increased by 2.8% in 2026.
These limits took effect January 1, 2026 — earlier than the MAGI updates.
Long-Term Care (Nursing Home) Income Cap
| Rule | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Income Cap (300% SSI) | $2,982/month |
| Asset Limit — Individual | $2,000 |
| Asset Limit — Married Couple (both applying) | $4,000 |
| SSI Pathway (Individual) | $994/month |
| SSI Pathway (Married Couple) | $1,491/month |
Almost all income above the Personal Needs Allowance must go toward care costs for nursing home residents. The home is generally exempt from asset counts if the applicant or spouse lives in it.
The home equity interest limit is $752,000 if neither spouse lives in the home.
Kentucky enforces a 60-month (5-year) look-back period for nursing home and Medicaid waiver applications. Asset transfers made in that window are reviewed for eligibility penalties.
Spousal Protection Rules (Community Spouse)
When one spouse enters a nursing facility, the other (community) spouse can keep:
- Up to $157,920 (maximum Community Spouse Resource Allowance)
- At least $31,584 (minimum, even if the couple has fewer assets)
- If the community spouse’s monthly income falls below $2,644, income may be transferred from the applicant spouse to make up the difference
- The Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance is $4,066.50/month
The Spend Down (Medically Needy) Program
If your income is above the standard Medicaid limits, you may still qualify through Kentucky’s Medically Needy Spend Down program. This program lets you deduct medical expenses from your income to get below the eligibility threshold.
| Program | Income Standard |
|---|---|
| Medically Needy Income Limit (MNIL) | $217/month (frozen) |
How it works: If your income is $1,000/month, your spend-down amount is $783/month ($1,000 – $217). Once you have unpaid medical bills totaling $783 in a quarter, Medicaid begins covering remaining eligible costs for that period.
This is an important safety net for people with chronic illnesses or high prescription costs who earn just over the standard limit.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines — Kentucky Reference Table
Kentucky uses the official federal poverty guidelines to calculate Medicaid eligibility. The 2026 guidelines were released in January 2026. For households larger than 4, add $5,680 per additional person.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $15,960 |
| 2 People | $21,640 |
| 3 People | $27,320 |
| 4 People | $33,000 |
You can compare how Kentucky stacks up by reviewing Medicaid income limits by state in 2026 to see whether you might qualify for coverage in another state.
Important 2026 Effective Dates
| Group | When New Limits Apply |
|---|---|
| Aged, Blind & Disabled (SSI-based) | January 1, 2026 |
| Adults, Children, Pregnant Women (MAGI) | April 1, 2026 |
Until April 1, 2026, MAGI-based groups use 2025 income limits in the kynect system.
What Services Does Kentucky Medicaid Cover?
Once approved, Kentucky Medicaid covers a wide range of healthcare services. Understanding the Medicaid Fee Schedule in 2026 can help you know what providers are reimbursed for, and which services are covered under your plan.
Covered services include:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Long-term care and nursing home services
- Home and Community Based Waiver services (HCBS)
- Dental and vision care (for children; limited for adults)
- Preventive care (free, with no cost-sharing)
2026 Policy Watch: Federal policy changes may bring work requirements for ACA expansion adults starting January 2027. More frequent eligibility checks (every 6 months) may begin in December 2026. These changes do not affect seniors, children, pregnant women, or disabled individuals.
How to Apply for Kentucky Medicaid in 2026
Applying is free and takes about 20–30 minutes. You can apply any time of year — there is no open enrollment period for Medicaid.
3 Ways to Apply:
- Online: Visit kynect.ky.gov — the fastest method
- Phone: Call 1-855-459-6328 (TTY: 1-855-326-4654), Monday–Friday
- In-Person: Visit your local DCBS (Department for Community Based Services) office
What You’ll Need:
- Proof of identity (ID, passport, or birth certificate)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or award letter)
- Social Security number(s) for all household members
- Proof of Kentucky residency (utility bill or lease)
Processing Times:
- Standard applications: 45 days
- Disability-based applications: Up to 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Kentucky Medicaid income limit for a single person in 2026?
For adults 19–64, the 2026 income limit is $22,025/year (138% FPL). For pregnant women, it is $31,920/year (200% FPL). For long-term care, the monthly cap is $2,982/month. Limits take effect April 1, 2026 for MAGI groups.
Q2: Does Kentucky Medicaid have an asset limit in 2026?
Most adults, children, and pregnant women face no asset test under MAGI rules. However, seniors and disabled individuals applying for long-term care face asset limits of $2,000 (individual) or $4,000 (couple). The family home is generally exempt.
Q3: Can I qualify for Medicaid in Kentucky if I earn too much?
Yes. The Spend Down (Medically Needy) program allows you to deduct medical bills to get below the $217/month income standard. This is useful for people with high ongoing medical expenses who earn slightly above the limit.
Q4: What are the KCHIP income limits for 2026 in Kentucky?
KCHIP covers uninsured children under 19 with household income up to 218% FPL — about $59,558/year for a family of 3. A 5% income disregard applies, so families between 218–223% FPL may still qualify. There are no monthly premiums for most KCHIP families.
Q5: When do Kentucky Medicaid income limits update in 2026?
There are two update dates. Aged, Blind & Disabled limits updated on January 1, 2026. MAGI-based limits (adults, children, pregnant women) typically update on April 1, 2026, once kynect implements the new federal poverty guidelines.
Q6: Will work requirements affect my Kentucky Medicaid in 2026?
Work requirements are not in effect in 2026. They are proposed to begin in January 2027 for ACA expansion adults (19–64) only. Seniors, disabled individuals, pregnant women, and children are permanently exempt from any work requirement rules.
Official Sources
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS): chfs.ky.gov
- kynect Benefits Portal (Apply Online): kynect.ky.gov
- Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange FPL Chart: khbe.ky.gov
- Medicaid.gov — Eligibility: medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility
Last Updated: February 2026 | Data sourced from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), kynect, and the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. MAGI-based income limits are projected and subject to final state confirmation effective April 1, 2026. Always verify current eligibility at kynect.ky.gov or by calling 1-855-459-6328 before making financial decisions.
