Kentucky · Michelle P. Waiver
The Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) is Kentucky's largest 1915(c) waiver for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities — and the one with the longest line. The application itself is online through kynect or in person; Kentucky does not accept mailed applications. WaiverPath organizes the documents, dates, and years of follow-up around that submission.
CHFS lists behavioral supports, day training, home adaptations, personal care, and respite. Participants can use traditional provider agencies or hire their own staff through Participant Directed Services.
A person with an intellectual or developmental disability who would otherwise need institutional care, needs a protected learning environment, and meets Medicaid financial requirements — documented with an IEP, psychological evaluation, KEIS evaluation, or physician's order.
Per CHFS figures presented to the legislature 9/2/2025: 9,686 people waiting, average wait 1,274 days (~3.5 years). SFY26 added 500 MPW slots effective July 1, 2025. The list is ordered by application completion date.
The Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) is one of Kentucky's 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waivers, run by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Department for Medicaid Services. It helps people with intellectual or developmental disabilities live at home and in the community instead of an institution, with services like behavioral supports, day training, home adaptations, personal care, and respite.
Per CHFS: someone with an intellectual or developmental disability who would need institutional care without waiver services, who needs a protected learning environment, and who meets Medicaid financial requirements. Applicants must document the disability with records such as an IEP, psychological evaluation, Kentucky Early Intervention System evaluation, or a physician's order.
Two steps, and neither can be mailed. First get waiver-supportive Medicaid — online at kynect.ky.gov, by phone with DCBS at (855) 306-8959, or in person at a DCBS office. Then, once Medicaid 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. CHFS's official guide states twice: applications are not accepted by mail.
Yes. Per CHFS figures presented to the Kentucky legislature on 9/2/2025, MPW had 9,686 people waiting with an average wait of 1,274 days — roughly 3.5 years. The state added 500 MPW slots for SFY26, effective July 1, 2025. CHFS says the list is ordered by application completion date.
MPW (and SCL) questions go to the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) at (502) 564-7700. General ADRC help is at (877) 925-0037.
MPW is one of seven Kentucky 1915(c) waivers — SCL, HCB, ABI, ABI LTC, Model II, and the new CHILD waiver each fit different needs (and ABI/Model II currently have no waitlist). See the Kentucky Medicaid waiver application guide for the full picture.
Last 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.
