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Kentucky · HCBS Programs

Kentucky Medicaid waiver programs

Kentucky runs six HCBS waivers through CHFS: MPW and SCL for I/DD, HCB for aged adults and physical disabilities, ABI and ABI LTC for acquired brain injury, Model II for ventilator-dependent individuals, and CHILD for youth with high-intensity needs. All applications go through kynect or an ADRC — not by mail. This guide explains each program. Confirm current eligibility rules and wait times with CHFS.

Kentucky HCBS waiver programs at a glance

Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)

Kentucky CHFS · Department for Medicaid Services

Who it serves: Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The MPW is Kentucky's primary HCBS waiver for I/DD and covers the broadest range of community-based services.

How to apply: Apply online at 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 states applications are not accepted by mail. A psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores is required to document I/DD eligibility.

As of fall 2025 CHFS data, 9,686 individuals were on the MPW waiting list, with an average wait of approximately 1,274 days. Waitlist position is based on application completion date — a complete, accurately documented application protects your position. Confirm current waitlist figures with CHFS.

Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver

Kentucky CHFS · Department for Medicaid Services

Who it serves: Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need community-based support but at a different service configuration than MPW. SCL often supports individuals transitioning from institutional settings.

How to apply: Same kynect or ADRC/CMHC application channel as MPW. A psychological evaluation with a full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and adaptive behavior assessment is required for SCL eligibility documentation.

SCL had approximately 3,742 individuals waiting as of fall 2025, with an average wait of approximately 7.8 years — the longest waitlist among Kentucky HCBS waivers. Confirm current figures and eligibility criteria with CHFS or your ADRC.

Home & Community Based (HCB) Waiver

Kentucky CHFS · Department for Medicaid Services

Who it serves: Aged individuals and individuals with physical disabilities who need community-based services as an alternative to nursing facility care. HCB is not limited to I/DD populations.

How to apply: Apply through kynect or contact your local ADRC (877-925-0037). A MAP-10 functional assessment and physician documentation of the medical condition limiting daily activities are required. Confirm current documentation requirements with your ADRC.

HCB had approximately 5,360 individuals waiting as of fall 2025, but with a shorter average wait of approximately 119 days — significantly less than MPW or SCL. Confirm current wait estimates and slot availability with your ADRC.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver

Kentucky CHFS · Department for Medicaid Services

Who it serves: Adults 18 and older who have experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI) — including traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysm, or other non-congenital brain injury — and need community support to avoid nursing facility placement.

How to apply: Apply through kynect or your local ADRC/CMHC. Required documentation includes a MAP-10 plus medical records with a hospital discharge summary including CT or MRI findings. CHFS also administers an ABI LTC variant for individuals needing long-term care-level services.

ABI and ABI LTC had no waitlist as of fall 2025 CHFS data — individuals who meet eligibility can access services without a prolonged wait. Confirm current slot availability with your ADRC.

Model II Waiver

Kentucky CHFS · Department for Medicaid Services

Who it serves: Individuals who are ventilator-dependent and require continuous skilled nursing support to live in the community rather than in a facility.

How to apply: Apply through kynect or an ADRC/CMHC. Required documentation includes a MAP-10 and physician ventilator orders confirming ventilator dependency. This is a specialized waiver — confirm current eligibility criteria with CHFS before applying.

Model II had no waitlist as of fall 2025 CHFS data due to the highly specialized eligibility criteria. Confirm current status with CHFS.

CHILD Waiver

Kentucky CHFS · Department for Medicaid Services

Who it serves: Children and youth up to age 21 with high-intensity behavioral health needs or developmental needs who require community-based services to avoid institutional or residential treatment placement.

How to apply: Apply through kynect or in person at an ADRC or CMHC. A physician statement plus behavioral-health or psycho-educational records are required to document eligibility. Confirm current documentation requirements with CHFS.

CHILD waiver eligibility requires documented high-intensity behavioral health or developmental needs. Confirm current slot availability and eligibility standards with your local CMHC or CHFS.

How to apply for a Kentucky Medicaid waiver — 6 steps

Step 1

Identify which Kentucky waiver program matches the applicant's diagnosis and age

Kentucky's HCBS waivers are administered through CHFS's Department for Medicaid Services but serve distinct populations. MPW and SCL are for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). HCB serves aged individuals and adults with physical 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. Starting with the wrong waiver means going through a separate application process — identify the correct program first.

Step 2

Apply for Kentucky Medicaid (kynect) before or at the same time as the waiver

All Kentucky HCBS waivers require active Kentucky Medicaid enrollment before a waiver slot can be activated. Apply online at kynect.ky.gov, by phone at (855) 306-8959 with DCBS, or in person at a DCBS office. Note that Medicaid and waiver applications are separate: you must submit both, but CHFS allows families to join a waitlist while Medicaid is pending. Track the Medicaid case number and the waiver application confirmation separately.

Step 3

Submit the waiver application through kynect — not by mail

CHFS states explicitly in its official guidance that waiver applications are not accepted by mail. Submit through kynect.ky.gov online, or in person at an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC statewide line: 877-925-0037) or a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). After submission, save the kynect confirmation number, submission date, and the KOG (Kentucky Online Gateway) account used — this is your proof of application date, which determines waitlist position for MPW.

Step 4

Assemble the documentation your specific waiver requires before the intake appointment

Documentation requirements differ by waiver. MPW: psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores from a qualified psychologist. SCL: psychological evaluation with full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and adaptive behavior assessment. HCB: MAP-10 functional assessment + physician documentation of condition limiting daily activities. ABI/ABI LTC: MAP-10 + hospital discharge summary with CT or MRI findings. Model II: MAP-10 + physician ventilator orders. CHILD: physician statement + behavioral-health or psycho-educational records. All waivers additionally require proof of identity, Kentucky residency, Social Security number, and active Kentucky Medicaid confirmation.

Step 5

Record your application date and all confirmation details immediately

For MPW, waitlist position is based on application completion date — not severity of need, not length of time on the waitlist. After submitting through kynect, write down the exact submission date, confirmation number, and KOG account. CHFS mails a letter confirming whether requirements are met; save this letter dated. If you apply in person, get a written receipt with the date from the ADRC or CMHC staff member who accepted your application. This paper trail protects your waitlist position if a dispute arises.

Step 6

Monitor your status and respond to every CHFS renewal or update request

CHFS periodically sends renewal notices and update requests to confirm continued interest in the waiver. Missing a renewal or being unreachable can result in losing your waitlist position after years of waiting. For MPW and SCL, contact CHFS or your ADRC annually to confirm your position. Update your contact address and phone number with CHFS any time they change. For HCB, ABI, and Model II, work with your assigned care coordinator once enrolled to complete annual functional assessments and plan reviews.

Start my Kentucky waiver organizer — free Kentucky waiver checklist HCBS eligibility guide

Documents to gather before applying

Collect these before submitting through kynect or visiting your ADRC or CMHC. The specific documents required vary by waiver — see the per-program notes above.

✓Proof of identity (state ID, birth certificate, or passport)
✓Proof of Kentucky residency (utility bill, lease, or government mail)
✓Social Security number for the applicant
✓Active Kentucky Medicaid enrollment confirmation or pending kynect case number
✓Qualifying diagnosis documentation (see per-waiver requirements above)
✓Physician documentation of the disability, chronic condition, or brain injury
✓Psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores (MPW and SCL)
✓MAP-10 functional assessment form (HCB, ABI, Model II)
✓Hospital discharge summary with CT or MRI findings (ABI/ABI LTC)
✓IEP, KEIS evaluation, or psycho-educational records (MPW for school-age applicants; CHILD waiver)

More Kentucky and national waiver guides

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Kentucky Medicaid waiver programs FAQ

What Medicaid waiver programs does Kentucky offer for home and community-based services?

Kentucky operates six HCBS waiver programs through CHFS's Department for Medicaid Services: Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) and Supports for Community Living (SCL) for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; Home & Community Based (HCB) Waiver for aged individuals and adults with physical disabilities; Acquired Brain Injury (ABI and ABI LTC) for adults 18+ with non-congenital brain injuries; 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. Each program has separate eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and waitlist status. Confirm current program details with CHFS.

How do I apply for a Kentucky Medicaid HCBS waiver?

Apply online at kynect.ky.gov or in person at an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC statewide line: 877-925-0037) or a Community Mental Health Center. CHFS states explicitly in its official guidance that applications are not accepted by mail. You must also apply for Kentucky Medicaid separately (also through kynect or DCBS). After submitting, save the kynect confirmation number and submission date — for MPW, waitlist position is based on application completion date.

Is there a waitlist for Kentucky HCBS waivers?

Yes, for most programs. As of fall 2025 CHFS data, MPW had approximately 9,686 individuals waiting (average approximately 1,274 days); SCL had approximately 3,742 (average approximately 7.8 years); HCB had approximately 5,360 (average approximately 119 days). ABI, ABI LTC, and Model II had no waitlist at that time due to specialized eligibility criteria. CHILD waiver slot availability varies. Confirm current wait figures with CHFS or your ADRC before making decisions based on these figures.

What is the difference between the Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) and Supports for Community Living (SCL)?

Both MPW and SCL are Kentucky waivers for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but they differ in service configuration and waiting time. MPW is the primary I/DD HCBS waiver and covers the broadest range of community services; it requires a psychological evaluation with IQ and adaptive behavior scores. SCL is often used for individuals transitioning from institutional settings and requires a full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and adaptive behavior assessment. Both operate through kynect or ADRC intake — contact CHFS to determine which fits the applicant's support needs. SCL historically has had the longest average wait among Kentucky HCBS waivers.

Who qualifies for the Kentucky Home & Community Based (HCB) Waiver?

The HCB Waiver serves aged individuals and adults with physical disabilities who need community-based services as an alternative to nursing facility care — it is not limited to I/DD populations. Eligibility requires a MAP-10 functional assessment and physician documentation of the condition limiting daily activities. As of fall 2025, HCB had a shorter average wait (approximately 119 days) than MPW or SCL. Confirm current HCB eligibility criteria and wait times with your local ADRC.

What does WaiverPath do for Kentucky waiver families?

WaiverPath is an organizer for families — not an agency, case manager, or benefits advisor. Free accounts open the Kentucky waiver guide and basic document tracking. Plus ($6.99/mo or $49/yr) adds a forms assistant for logging your kynect application details, Medicaid enrollment status, waitlist registration date, annual renewal reminders, and CHFS correspondence records in one organized place. Always confirm eligibility rules, program requirements, and current wait times with CHFS, your ADRC, or your assigned care coordinator.

Can I apply for a Kentucky waiver by mail?

No. CHFS states explicitly in its official guidance that waiver applications are not accepted by mail. You must apply through kynect.ky.gov online, or in person at an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or Community Mental Health Center. Medicaid applications through kynect are separate from the waiver application — both must be submitted, but through electronic or in-person channels only.

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.