STATE PROFILE • Last updated: November 11, 2026
Kentucky Elder Care & Medicaid
Kentucky's senior Medicaid landscape features an income cap for long-term care, requiring Miller Trusts for many, while the HCB Waiver offers home and community-based support.
leaderboard
RANKED #38
GRADE D
FEATURED
Medicaid Coverage Guide for Kentucky
Full breakdown of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Department for Medicaid Services for seniors: waiver programs, nursing home eligibility, income and asset limits, spend-down rules, and how to apply.
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Program
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Department for Medicaid Services
Income cap
$2,982/mo
Medically-needy
No
Elder Care Index Report Card
5-pillar composite scoring vs other states
D
Grade
AFFORDABILITY
GRADE C · 65
QUALITY
GRADE D · 40
STAFFING
GRADE C · 40
ACCESS
GRADE C · 40
MEDICAID SUPPORT
GRADE F · 2
Composite score: 35.9 / 100 (50 = average state)
Methodology arrow_forward
Kentucky At a Glance
Nursing Home Facilities
268
Senior Medicaid Waivers
1
National Rank
#38 / 51
Range #36–#40 when the pillar weights shift
Senior Care Costs in Kentucky
local_hospital
Nursing Home
$8,992/mo
-18.6% vs national avg
- 268 nursing homes · 25,470 beds
- Avg CMS rating 2.89★ (41 rated 5★, 60 rated 1★)
- 4.01 nurse hrs/resident/day (0.77 RN)
Source: CMS Nursing Home Compare
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home_health
Home Health Aide
$23/hr
-14.8% vs national avg
- Median aide wage $16.74/hr
- ~27,620 aides employed statewide
Source: BLS OEWS
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