In Louisville, Medicaid pays for medical care, skilled nursing facilities and health-related expenses. This state and federal program is available to low-income residents, including adults, children and the elderly and disabled. Eligibility is based on strict financial requirements. For long-term care and waiver services, monthly income levels are restricted to $2,313 per month for individuals or $4,626 per month for couples. For other benefits, a lower monthly limit of $760 applies. Additionally, applicants must not have more than $2,000 in countable cash resources per person.
Although Kentucky’s Medicaid program pays for skilled nursing services, it does not cover the cost of assisted living because these facilities provide personal assistance rather than medical care. One exception is health services offered by outside agencies. As an alternative, adults who require nursing facility care but prefer to remain at home can use one of Kentucky’s 1915(c) waivers to access personal assistance. These programs are also open to individuals who are living in personal care facilities but would like to return to the community. To qualify, individuals must:
- Be elderly or living with a disability
- Require nursing facility care
- Be financially eligible for Medicaid
If you believe that you’re eligible for Medicaid based on your age, income or health status, you can apply online, in person or by calling the Department for Community Based Services at (855) 306-8959.