CHIP in Kentucky

Kentucky at a glance

Kentucky is home to about 211,210 foreign-born residents (4.7% of the state’s 4,534,824 people) and 226,744 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (5.0%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Kentucky regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in Kentucky (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Kentucky

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 195% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 142% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 109% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Kentucky: 218% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Kentucky

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. Kentucky state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

Kentucky adopted CHIPRA Option

Kentucky adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in Kentucky without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Kentucky

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Kentucky’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. Kentucky determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.