Kentucky HCBS Waivers
This checklist helps Kentucky families organize a 1915(c) waiver application — MPW, SCL, HCB, ABI, Model II, or CHILD — through kynect or an in-person ADRC/CMHC visit. CHFS states that applications are not accepted by mail. It is an organizer, not an eligibility decision.
Step 1
CHFS runs seven 1915(c) waivers: Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) and Supports for Community Living (SCL) for intellectual/developmental disabilities, Home & Community Based (HCB) for the aged or people with disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI and ABI LTC) for adults 18+, Model II for ventilator-dependent individuals, and the CHILD waiver for children and youth up to 21 with high-intensity behavioral health or developmental needs.
Official sourceStep 2
Medicaid and waiver services have separate applications. Apply for waiver-supportive Medicaid online at kynect.ky.gov, by phone with DCBS at (855) 306-8959, or in person at a DCBS office. CHFS states that applications are not accepted by mail.
Official sourceStep 3
Once the Medicaid application is approved or pending, submit the waiver application online through kynect (kynect.ky.gov) or in person at an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC line (877) 925-0037) or a Community Mental Health Center. CHFS repeats it for waiver applications too: applications are not accepted by mail.
Official sourceStep 4
Each waiver has its own required documents: ABI/ABI LTC, HCB, and Model II need a MAP-10 plus medical records (hospital discharge with CT/MRI for ABI, physician ADL statement for HCB, ventilator orders for Model II). MPW needs documentation of intellectual/developmental disability such as an IEP, psychological evaluation, KEIS evaluation, or physician's order. SCL needs a psychological evaluation with a full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and adaptive behavior assessment. CHILD needs a physician's statement plus behavioral-health or psycho-educational records.
Official sourceStep 5
After you submit through kynect, save the submission date, confirmation or case number, and the KOG account used. DMS reviews the application and mails a letter saying whether requirements are met and what to do next — your dated record is your proof of where you are in line.
Official sourceStep 6
Per CHFS figures presented to the Kentucky legislature on 9/2/2025: MPW had 9,686 people waiting (average 1,274 days), SCL 3,742 (average about 7.8 years), HCB 5,360 (average 119 days), and ABI/ABI LTC/Model II had no waitlist — 16,373 unduplicated people total. SFY26 added 1,250 slots effective July 1, 2025 (HCB +500, MPW +500, SCL +250). CHFS says the MPW waiting list is ordered by application completion date, so a complete application matters.
Official sourceStep 7
DMS communicates by mailed letter after review, and waitlists can run years. Update kynect and the waiver's operating agency whenever your address, phone, or email changes so an offer or request for information never goes to a dead address.
Official sourceStep 8
ABI, ABI LTC, Model II, and CHILD questions go to the DMS 1915(c) Waiver Help Desk at (844) 784-5614 / 1915cWaiverHelpDesk@ky.gov. HCB goes to the Department for Aging and Independent Living at (877) 315-0589. MPW and SCL go to DBHDID at (502) 564-7700. Keep the date, person, and outcome of each call.
Official sourceStep 9
The Community Health for Improved Lives and Development (CHILD) waiver serves children and youth up to age 21 who need stabilization support due to high-intensity behavioral health or developmental needs. If a child is waiting on MPW or SCL, ask the DMS 1915(c) Waiver Help Desk whether CHILD fits.
Official sourceLast reviewed by WaiverPath: July 2, 2026.
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.
