Kentucky currently has four waivers that are open to children. All are HCBS 1915(c) Medicaid waivers. Three of these programs waive parental income; we have not been able to obtain information about the other. For information on Kentucky’s programs, visit their Division of Long Term Services and Supports page.

Kentucky’s Advocacy Organizations:

Last updated 9/14/23

Programs in Kentucky

  • Target Population: Children and adults who are medically fragile and technology dependent and use a ventilator.
  • Ages: all ages
  • Levels of Care: Nursing Facility
  • Income Waiver: unknown
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 100
  • Expiration Date: 9/30/2025
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides skilled services by a licensed practical nurse, skilled services by a registered nurse, and skilled services by a respiratory therapist for individuals who are technology dependent, ages 0 – no max age.
  • Online State Information: Model II Waiver Page
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Your physician or hospital will make a PDN referral. You can apply online using the Kynect self-service portal or in person at your local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Office.
  • Waiting List: none
  • Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
  • Ages: all ages
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 10,500
  • Expiration Date: 8/31/2022; renewal remains in progress
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides adult day health, case management, community access, day training, personal assistance, respite, shared living, supported employment, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, community guide, goods and services, natural supports training, transportation, assessment/reassessment, community transition, consultative clinical and therapeutic service, environmental accessibility adaptation services, person centered coaching, positive behavior supports, specialized medical equipment and supplies, and vehicle adaptation services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities ages 0 or older who meet an ICF/IID level of care.
  • Online State Information: Michelle P Waiver Page
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Online using the Kynect self-service portal. In person at a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
  • Waiting List: Program is full with a waiting list. There are 9409 people with intellectual disabilities on the state’s waiting list.
  • Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
  • Ages: 3+
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 4941
  • Expiration Date: 2/28/2022; renewal remains in progress
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides conflict free case management, consultative clinical and therapeutic services, day training, personal assistance, residential support level I, respite, shared living, supported employment, community guide, financial management services, natural supports training, community access, community transition, environmental accessibility adaptation services, goods and services, person centered coach, positive behavior supports, residential support level II, specialized medical equipment and supplies, technology assisted residential, transportation, and vehicle adaptation services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities ages 3 or older who meet an ICF/IID level of care.
  • Online State Information: Supports for Community Living Page
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Online using the Kynect self-service portal. In person at a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA). You may may also call (502) 564-1647.
  • Waiting List: There are 9409 people with intellectual disabilities waiting for services in KY.

Also called Home and Community Based Services or HCB. Note: The federal medicaid.gov site lists this waiver as terminated; however, it appears to still be active according to Kentucky’s website.

  • Target Population: Children and adults with physical or other health disabilities.
  • Ages: all ages
  • Levels of Care: Nursing Facility
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 17,050
  • Expiration Date: 7/31/2025
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides adult day health, case management, specialized respite, participant directed coordination, attendant care, environmental and minor home adaptation, goods and services, home and community supports, home delivered meals, and non-specialized respite services to individuals with physical or other disabilities ages 0-64 years and individuals ages 65 or older who meet a nursing facility level of care.
  • Online State Information: HCB Page
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Online using the Kynect self-service portal. Complete an application at your local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Office or call (844) 784-5614.
  • Waiting List: Yes, but length is unknown. There are 9409 individuals with developmental disabilities on the waiting list, but most are not waiting for this program.

Additional Information

  • In the Home and Community Based Services Waiver, parents/guardians may be paid to provide attendant care for their minor children in Kentucky under special circumstances. See p. 12 of this manual on Participant Directed Services. Typically, parents must have a specific skillset or the child must not have another option for care. Parents are limited to 40 hours per week and must complete CPR training, among other requirements.
  • In the Michelle P. Waiver, personal care services may be provided by parents, limited to 40 hours per week (combined between parents).
  • We also have reports that parents who are nurses (RN or LPN) can provide services to minor children.