Kentucky's 2024 Medicaid income limits depend on which program you're looking at

Kentucky Medicaid has different income thresholds for different groups. For most adults without children, the limit is around 138% of the federal poverty level — which means roughly $1,967 per month for a single person in 2024. For parents and caretakers, the limit is lower. For children and pregnant people, it's higher. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty level updates, and they vary based on family size.

The limits also depend on whether you're looking at regular Medicaid or one of Kentucky's special programs like the Home and Community-Based Services waiver or the Medicaid expansion that covers working-age adults. Each has its own income rule, and some programs count income differently — they may exclude certain earnings or allow deductions that regular Medicaid does not.

Key Takeaways

  • Kentucky's standard Medicaid limit for adults is approximately 138% of federal poverty level, or about $1,967 monthly for a single person in 2024.
  • Income limits are lower for parents and caretakers, and higher for children and pregnant people, with all amounts tied to family size.
  • Some Kentucky Medicaid programs, like waiver services, use different income rules and may allow deductions that standard Medicaid does not.
  • Your actual income limit depends on which program you're looking at and how your household is counted, so checking with Kentucky's Medicaid office gives you the exact number for your situation.

Income limits for adults in Kentucky Medicaid

Kentucky expanded Medicaid in 2014 to cover adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For 2024, that works out to approximately $1,967 per month for a single person, $2,656 for a couple, and $3,345 for a family of three. These figures are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines and will shift upward in January 2025 when new guidelines take effect.

If you earn more than these amounts, you do not meet the income limit for standard adult Medicaid. However, you may still have other options — some people may have access to for Medicaid through disability, pregnancy, or other pathways that have different rules. Kentucky also runs a program called the Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities, which allows people with disabilities to keep working and stay on Medicaid even if their earnings exceed the standard limit.

Income limits for children and pregnant people

Children in Kentucky can stay on Medicaid at higher income levels than adults. The limit for children is around 211% of federal poverty level, which means a child in a household earning roughly $3,000 per month (single parent) can still may have access to. Pregnant people follow similar rules to children and can also may have access to at the higher threshold.

These higher limits exist because federal law requires states to cover children and pregnant people more broadly than other groups. If your child's household income exceeds the child limit, they may still may have access to through other programs, such as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which Kentucky runs as part of its Medicaid system.

Income limits for parents and caretakers

Parents and caretakers who care for children have a lower income limit than the general adult expansion. In Kentucky, this limit is around 63% of federal poverty level — roughly $900 per month for a single parent. This is significantly lower than the 138% limit for childless adults, which is why many parents in Kentucky do not may have access to for Medicaid even though they have children.

If you are a parent or caretaker and your income exceeds this limit, you may still have options. Your children may may have access to even if you do not, and you might be able to access coverage through the health insurance marketplace or through your employer.

How Kentucky counts your income

Kentucky Medicaid counts gross income — the money you earn before taxes and deductions — for most programs. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. Some types of income are excluded, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain veteran benefits, but these are the exception rather than the rule.

If you receive income from multiple sources, Kentucky adds them all together to determine whether you fall within the limit. If you are self-employed, you report your net business income (revenue minus business expenses). If your income changes month to month, Kentucky may average it over a period of time or use your most recent month as a snapshot, depending on the program.

Special programs with different income rules

Kentucky runs several Medicaid programs that use income limits different from the standard expansion. The Home and Community-Based Services waiver for elderly and disabled people allows income up to 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate, which is higher than standard Medicaid. The Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities lets people with disabilities earn more and still keep coverage.

If you are applying for one of these programs, ask the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services which income limit applies to you. The program you need may have a higher or lower threshold than standard Medicaid, and it may count income differently — for example, some waiver programs allow you to deduct medical expenses or work-related costs before calculating whether you meet the limit.

What to do if your income is close to the limit

If your income is near the cutoff, contact the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services directly rather than assuming you do not may have access to. Income limits have specific rules about how they are calculated, and small details — like whether you are paid weekly or monthly, or whether certain income is excluded — can change the outcome. You can reach Kentucky Medicaid through their website or by calling the number on any Medicaid materials you have received.

You can also apply even if you think you might be over the limit. The application process will determine your exact income and household size, and you may find that you may have access to through a program you did not know about. If you are turned down, you have the right to appeal the decision and provide additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report changes in my income to Kentucky Medicaid?

Yes. If your income changes significantly — usually by more than $50 to $100 per month depending on the program — you must report it. Medicaid will recalculate your coverage based on the new income. If you earn more and no longer meet the limit, your coverage may end. If you earn less, you may become newly may be able to access or your coverage may continue.

What counts as income for Medicaid purposes?

Wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and most other regular payments count as income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and some veteran benefits do not. If you receive irregular income — like a one-time bonus or inheritance — ask Kentucky Medicaid how it affects your case, because the rules depend on the program and the type of income.

Can I still get Medicaid if I earn slightly more than the income limit?

Not through standard Medicaid, but you may may have access to through another program. Kentucky has programs for people with disabilities, pregnant people, and children that use different income rules. You can also explore coverage through the health insurance marketplace or your employer. Contact Kentucky Medicaid to learn which programs you might be may be able to access for.

Do I need to report my spouse's income if I am applying for Medicaid?

Yes, if you are married and living together, Kentucky counts both spouses' income as household income. If you are married but living apart, the rules are different — ask Kentucky Medicaid about your specific situation. The same rule applies to other household members whose income is counted toward the limit.

When do Kentucky Medicaid income limits change?

Income limits update each January when the federal poverty guidelines change. The 2024 limits are based on the 2024 poverty level, and new limits take effect in January 2025. If you are currently on Medicaid, Kentucky will recalculate your coverage based on the new limits, but you will not lose coverage simply because the limit changed — you will only lose coverage if your actual income exceeds the new limit.