Where to apply for Kentucky Medicaid

You apply for Kentucky Medicaid through KCHIP.ky.gov, the state's online portal, or by mail, phone, or in person at your local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. The online portal is the fastest route — you can submit your application in one session and track its status afterward. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the KCHIP customer service line at 1-855-306-8959 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time) to request an application by mail or to ask questions before you start.

Your local DCBS office can also take your application in person. To find the office nearest you, search the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website by county. Applying in person means you can bring documents with you and get immediate feedback on what you are missing, which can speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can apply online at KCHIP.ky.gov, by phone at 1-855-306-8959, by mail, or in person at your local DCBS office.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and residency in Kentucky, plus details about household members and any current insurance.
  • The state processes most applications within 30 days, but you can be covered retroactively to the first day of the month you applied if you meet the income limits.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision, and you can reapply at any time.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin your application. You will need proof of income for the past 30 days — a pay stub, self-employment records, Social Security statement, unemployment letter, or a signed statement from your employer if you do not have recent pay stubs. If you receive benefits (Social Security, TANF, child support), bring the award letter or benefit statement.

You will also need proof of citizenship or immigration status. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card (green card) all work. If you do not have these documents, you can still apply — the state will help you locate them or may accept other proof — but having them ready speeds things up.

Bring proof of Kentucky residency (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your current address) and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. If anyone in your household has current health insurance, have that information ready too. You do not need to bring originals; copies are fine.

What happens after you submit your application

The state has 30 days to process your application from the date you submit it. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether you were found to meet the income and other requirements. If you applied online, you can also check your application status by logging back into KCHIP.ky.gov.

If you are found to meet the requirements, your coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied, even if the approval letter arrives weeks later. This means if you applied on March 15, your coverage date is March 1. You do not have to wait for the approval letter to use your benefits — once the state approves you, you can see a doctor or fill a prescription immediately.

The state will send you a Medicaid card by mail within two weeks of approval. Until it arrives, you can use your name and Social Security number to prove you are covered. If you need to see a provider before the card arrives, call the provider's office and give them your name and Social Security number; they can verify your coverage through the state system.

If your application is denied

If the state denies your application, the notice will explain why — usually because your income is above the limit, you do not meet the residency requirement, or you did not provide proof of citizenship. Read the notice carefully and check whether the reason is something you can correct (for example, if they used the wrong income figure or did not receive a document you sent).

You have the right to request a fair hearing to challenge the decision. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the denial notice. To request a hearing, call KCHIP customer service at 1-855-306-8959 or mail a written request to the address on your denial notice. At the hearing, you can present new information or documents and explain why you believe the decision was wrong. A state hearing officer will review your case and issue a new decision.

You can also reapply at any time. If your circumstances have changed — your income went down, you moved to Kentucky, or you now have proof of citizenship — a new application may be approved even if the first one was denied.

Income limits and what counts as income

Kentucky Medicaid income limits depend on your household size and which program you are applying for. For adults without children, the limit is roughly 138 percent of the federal poverty line (about $1,900 per month for a single person in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). For parents and children, limits vary. The KCHIP website has a current income calculator where you can enter your household size and monthly income to see whether you likely meet the limit.

The state counts most income: wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony. It does not count certain income like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for blind or disabled people, some veteran benefits, and certain student aid. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, ask during your application or call customer service.

Special situations: Pregnancy, disability, and immigration status

If you are pregnant, you may be covered under a separate program with higher income limits than regular Medicaid. Pregnant people can also be covered retroactively for up to three months before the month you applied, which means if you applied in March but were pregnant in January, your coverage can go back to January. Tell the state you are pregnant when you apply.

If you are disabled or blind, you may be covered under a different program with different income and resource limits. When you apply, indicate if anyone in your household is disabled or blind so the state can review you under the correct program rules.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be covered under Kentucky Medicaid if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, or in certain other immigration statuses. Undocumented immigrants are not covered by regular Medicaid, but Kentucky does offer emergency Medicaid for urgent medical conditions. When you apply, provide whatever immigration documents you have; the state will determine what you are covered for based on your status.

Keeping your coverage active

Once you are approved, you must report changes to the state so your coverage stays accurate. If your income increases, you move, your household size changes, or you get other insurance, report it within 30 days. You can report changes online at KCHIP.ky.gov, by phone, or by mail. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you may have to repay, or loss of coverage if you no longer meet the requirements.

Your coverage is reviewed periodically — usually once a year — and the state will send you a renewal notice. You will need to confirm that your information is still correct. If you do not respond to the renewal notice, your coverage will end, but you can reapply immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

The state has 30 days to process your application. Most decisions come within two to three weeks. Your coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied, even if the approval letter arrives later. The Medicaid card itself arrives by mail within two weeks of approval.

Can I apply if I do not have a Social Security number?

You need a Social Security number to be covered by Kentucky Medicaid. If you do not have one, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Until you have a number, you cannot be enrolled in Medicaid, but you may be covered by emergency Medicaid for urgent conditions.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the requirement for regular Medicaid. However, Kentucky offers other programs with higher income limits, such as programs for pregnant people or parents. Call KCHIP customer service to ask whether you might be covered under a different program based on your household composition.

Do I have to pay anything for Kentucky Medicaid?

Most Kentucky Medicaid members pay nothing for coverage. Some groups (like certain parents) may have small copayments for services, but these are capped and do not apply to preventive care or emergency services. When you are approved, your notice will tell you if any copayments apply to you.

Can I use my Medicaid in other states?

Kentucky Medicaid is valid only in Kentucky. If you move to another state, you will need to apply for that state's Medicaid program. If you travel out of state temporarily, emergency services are covered, but routine care is not. Tell your provider that you have Kentucky Medicaid if you need emergency care while traveling.