STATE PROFILE • Last updated: April 23, 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.
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RANKED #10
GRADE B
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
Yes
Elder Care Index Report Card
5-pillar composite scoring vs other states
B
Grade
AFFORDABILITY
STRONG
QUALITY
MODERATE
STAFFING
CRITICAL
ACCESS
CRITICAL
MEDICAID SUPPORT
STRONG
Composite score: 53.7 / 100
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Kentucky At a Glance
Nursing Home Facilities
268
Senior Medicaid Waivers
1
National Rank
#10 / 51
Senior Care Costs in Kentucky
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Assisted Living
$3,448/mo
-24.9% vs national avg
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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Memory Care
$4,309/mo
-24.9% vs national avg
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Home Health Aide
$23/hr
-14.8% vs national avg
- Median aide wage $16.74/hr
- ~27,620 aides employed statewide
Source: BLS OEWS