ABI / ABI LTC
MAP-10, plus a hospital discharge summary from the brain injury with CT or MRI results (ABI) or medical records verifying a primary brain injury diagnosis (ABI LTC).
Kentucky · 1915(c) HCBS Waivers
Kentucky Medicaid waiver application, step by step
Kentucky's CHFS Department for Medicaid Services runs seven 1915(c) waivers — Michelle P. Waiver (MPW), Supports for Community Living (SCL), Home & Community Based (HCB), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI and ABI LTC), Model II, and the new CHILD waiver. Since the kynect integration, every application is submitted online or in person. CHFS's official guide states twice: applications are not accepted by mail.
The five steps
- 1. Pick the right waiver. MPW and SCL serve intellectual or developmental disabilities; HCB serves the aged or people with disabilities; ABI and ABI LTC serve adults 18+ with acquired brain injuries; Model II serves ventilator-dependent individuals; CHILD serves children and youth up to 21 with high-intensity behavioral health or developmental needs.
- 2. Apply for waiver-supportive Medicaid. Medicaid and waiver services have separate applications. Apply online at kynect.ky.gov with a Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) account, by phone with DCBS at (855) 306-8959, or in person at a DCBS office. Tell them it is Medicaid for waiver.
- 3. Apply for the waiver. Once the Medicaid application is approved or pending, submit the waiver application through kynect — or in person at an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC, (877) 925-0037) or a Community Mental Health Center. There is no mail route.
- 4. Attach the documents your waiver requires. See the table below — reviewers use them to determine whether the applicant qualifies and which waiver fits best.
- 5. Record the date and wait for the DMS letter. DMS reviews the application and mails a letter with the decision and next steps. Save your submission date and confirmation number — for waitlisted waivers, your application completion date is your place in line.
Required documents by waiver
From the official CHFS guide, "Understanding Kentucky's 1915(c) HCBS Waivers" (updated January 13, 2026).
HCB
MAP-10, plus a physician's statement describing how the physical disability affects activities and instrumental activities of daily living.
Model II
MAP-10, plus physician's notes or orders for ventilator use 12+ hours a day.
MPW
Documentation of intellectual or developmental disability: an IEP, psychological evaluation, Kentucky Early Intervention System evaluation, or a physician's order.
SCL
Psychological evaluation with a full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and an adaptive behavior assessment.
CHILD
Physician's statement, plus behavioral-health records (SED checklist) or a psycho-educational report with IQ and adaptive assessments, depending on the basis for applying.
Waitlists by waiver
Per CHFS figures presented to the Kentucky legislature on 9/2/2025 — 16,373 unduplicated people waiting across all waivers. SFY26 added 1,250 slots effective July 1, 2025 (HCB +500, MPW +500, SCL +250).
| Waiver | People waiting | Average wait |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) | 9,686 | 1,274 days (~3.5 years) |
| Supports for Community Living (SCL) | 3,742 | about 7.8 years |
| Home & Community Based (HCB) | 5,360 | 119 days |
| ABI / ABI LTC / Model II | 0 | no waitlist |
Deep dive on the biggest list: the Michelle P. Waiver guide.
Help-desk directory
DMS uses other state agencies to operate some waivers — call the desk that owns yours, and log every call.
ABI, ABI LTC, Model II, CHILD
DMS 1915(c) Waiver Help Desk
(844) 784-5614 · 1915cWaiverHelpDesk@ky.gov
HCB
Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
(877) 315-0589
MPW, SCL
Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID)
(502) 564-7700
Waiver-supportive Medicaid (all waivers)
Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
(855) 306-8959
Official sources
Last reviewed by WaiverPath: July 2, 2026.
Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.Kentucky CHFS — Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)Official CHFS/DMS page for the Michelle P. Waiver: services, eligibility, how to apply, and the waiting list based on application completion date.CHFS guide: Applying for Waiver Services (updated 01/13/26)Official CHFS how-to-apply guide covering all seven 1915(c) waivers, kynect and in-person application routes, required documents per waiver, and help-desk contacts. States that applications are not accepted by mail.kynect — Kentucky's benefits portalKentucky's official online portal for Medicaid and waiver applications. Requires a Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) account.
WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.