Kansas Medicaid

Per KDHE and kancare.ks.gov, medical assistance is only available to certain covered groups. Individuals who do not fall into one of the following groups do not qualify, regardless of income.

Children up to age 19: Covered under KanCare Medicaid up to a moderate income limit, then through HealthWave (Kansas CHIP) at higher incomes up to 238% FPL. Children in foster care and those with adoption support payments are covered regardless of income. Former foster care youth up to age 26 who were in care at age 18 also qualify.

Pregnant women: Qualifying pregnant women receive KanCare coverage up to 171% FPL. Benefits continue through delivery and into the postpartum period.

Low-income families with children: Adult parents and caretaker relatives caring for children under 19 may qualify, but at very low income thresholds. Per KDHE, this category covers adult caretaker relatives with income below the program limit — which is substantially below 100% FPL. Adults without children in the household do not qualify under this group.

Persons who are blind or disabled (by Social Security rules): Individuals who meet Social Security's definition of disability or blindness may qualify. SSI recipients qualify automatically. This includes both adults and children with qualifying disabilities.

Persons aged 65 or older: Seniors meeting income and (for long-term care) asset requirements qualify. KanCare covers nursing facility care and home and community-based waiver services for eligible seniors.

Starting October 1, 2026, federal changes under H.R. 1 will end KanCare eligibility for some immigrants currently covered — including refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking with pending status — unless they have since become lawful permanent residents. U.S. citizens, green card holders, COFA migrants, and Cuban or Haitian immigrants are not affected. KanCare will send an advance notice at least 10 days before any coverage ends; emergency medical services remain covered regardless of immigration status.

Source: kancare.ks.gov eligibility page; KDHE Division of Health Care Finance. Call 1-800-792-4884 for eligibility questions or apply through the KEES portal at cssp.kees.ks.gov.

HealthWave is Kansas's Children's Health Insurance Program, covering uninsured children up to age 19 whose family income exceeds the Medicaid limit but falls at or below 238% FPL. HealthWave is delivered through the same KanCare managed care organizations as Medicaid, using the same application process through KEES. Small monthly premiums may apply for some HealthWave families.

MediKan is a distinct, entirely state-funded program. It covers adults who are pursuing Social Security disability benefits and who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid. MediKan provides a medical coverage bridge — often several months to a year or more — while SSI or SSDI applications are being processed. Once approved for SSI, most MediKan members transition to KanCare Medicaid. MediKan has its own income and asset limits; contact DCF for current requirements.