How to apply for Kentucky Medicaid.
Most Kentucky adults under 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Medicaid based on income alone. There is no cost to apply.
Golden Grove Recovery is closed and preparing to reopen in Louisville, KY. Coverage information on this page describes Kentucky Medicaid substance use treatment in general — your individual coverage depends on your specific plan, plan year, and medical-necessity determination. Call admissions to talk through your situation.
Apply at kynect.ky.gov.
The full Kentucky Medicaid application is completed online. Have your documents ready before you start.
-
01
Check eligibility
Most adults qualify based on income — under 138% of the federal poverty level, which for a single-person household is roughly $21,600 a year. The exact figure changes each year with the HHS poverty guidelines, so check the current number on kynect rather than relying on this page. Pregnancy, disability, and former-foster-youth pathways also exist.
-
02
Gather documents
Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of income, proof of Kentucky residency, and immigration documents if applicable.
-
03
Apply
Online at kynect.ky.gov, by phone (1-855-459-6328), by mail, in person at DCBS, or with a kynector.
-
04
Pick your Medicaid plan
Once approved, choose one of Kentucky's six MCOs. Each covers substance use treatment as a core benefit.
Kentucky Medicaid plans.
Pick based on provider network, pharmacy benefits, and any care-management programs you may need (e.g., maternity, complex care). You can change MCOs once a year during open enrollment.
Don't wait for the application to fully process.
Call admissions directly. We can:
- Talk through the kynect application with you
- Discuss presumptive eligibility for pregnant members or members with severe SUD
- Talk through options while your application is pending
Common questions about applying.
- Where do I apply for Kentucky Medicaid?
- The official application portal is kynect.ky.gov. You can also apply by phone (1-855-459-6328), by mail, or in person at a Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office.
- Who qualifies for Kentucky Medicaid?
- Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so most adults under 138% of the federal poverty level qualify based on income alone. Pregnant members, children, and adults with disabilities have separate eligibility pathways.
- How long does the Medicaid application take?
- Federal rules give states up to 45 days to decide a Medicaid application (90 for disability-based eligibility), and Kentucky often comes back sooner. Pregnant members and members with urgent medical needs (including substance use disorder (SUD)) may qualify for expedited or presumptive eligibility.
- Can I get treatment while my Medicaid application is pending?
- In some cases, yes — through presumptive eligibility, sliding-scale providers, or state-funded programs. Call admissions and we'll help you understand bridge options.
Need help applying for Medicaid? Admissions can help.
Admissions can walk you through the kynect application and discuss your coverage the moment you're approved.