Kentucky CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
Updated August 2026
The Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) covers children under 19 and pregnant women in families earning at or below 218% of the Federal Poverty Level. KCHIP is free — there are no monthly premiums for eligible families, per the Kentucky DMS KCHIP website.
218% FPL
KCHIP income limit
$0
Monthly premium — KCHIP is free
July 2025
Annual renewals resumed for children
Automatic renewal ended June 30, 2025 — children's KCHIP now requires an annual response
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, children's KCHIP coverage was automatically extended at each annual renewal without requiring family action. That flexibility ended June 30, 2025. Starting with July 2025 renewal dates, families must respond to renewal notices to maintain coverage. If your child's coverage was recently terminated and you believe they are still eligible, reapply at kynect.ky.gov immediately.
What is KCHIP?
KCHIP — the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program — is Kentucky's Title XXI CHIP program. It covers uninsured children under age 19, currently pregnant women, and women within one year postpartum. The program uses the same managed care organizations as Kentucky Medicaid — members receive care through Aetna Better Health, Humana Healthy Horizons, Passport Health Plan by Molina, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, or WellCare of Kentucky.
Kentucky's decision to make KCHIP premium-free distinguishes it from many other states that charge monthly CHIP premiums. This reduces one of the most common barriers to children's coverage: families who qualify may still not enroll if they face a premium cost.
Who qualifies for KCHIP
Children whose family income is below the standard Medicaid limit qualify for full Kentucky Medicaid (not KCHIP). Children above the Medicaid limit and at or below 218% FPL qualify for KCHIP. A single application through kynect determines which program applies — you do not need to choose between them.
- Child must be under age 19
- Currently pregnant women — applies during pregnancy
- Women within 1 year of delivery
- Household income at or below 218% FPL
- Must be a Kentucky resident
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified noncitizen
- Must not have employer-sponsored insurance that provides adequate coverage
| Family size | Monthly income limit | Annual income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,736 | $32,832 |
| 2 | $3,714 | $44,556 |
| 3 | $4,691 | $56,292 |
| 4 | $5,668 | $68,061 |
| 5 | $6,646 | $79,752 |
1
- Monthly income limit
- $2,736
- Annual income limit
- $32,832
2
- Monthly income limit
- $3,714
- Annual income limit
- $44,556
3
- Monthly income limit
- $4,691
- Annual income limit
- $56,292
4
- Monthly income limit
- $5,668
- Annual income limit
- $68,061
5
- Monthly income limit
- $6,646
- Annual income limit
- $79,752
The table below shows the current 218% FPL income limits by family size, per Kentucky's Kid's Health (kidshealth.ky.gov). For families larger than 5, add $978 per month (or $11,736 annually) for each additional household member.
What KCHIP covers
KCHIP provides the same comprehensive benefit package as Kentucky Medicaid for children, including full EPSDT coverage for members under 21.
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings at all recommended ages
- Immunizations on the CDC-recommended schedule
- Dental care — preventive, restorative, and medically necessary orthodontics
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Mental health and substance use disorder services
- Primary care, specialist care, and hospital services
- Prescriptions
- Emergency and urgent care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Home health and medical equipment when medically necessary
KCHIP and children's renewal: what changed in 2025
The Kentucky DMS created an informational toolkit for families navigating the return to annual renewals. Materials including renewal guides, alternative coverage information, and step-by-step instructions for accessing kynect are available at kidshealth.ky.gov.
How to apply for KCHIP
Apply at kynect.ky.gov, by calling 1-855-459-6328, or at a local DCBS office. The same application covers Kentucky Medicaid and KCHIP — the system determines eligibility automatically. Applications are accepted year-round.
If you applied through healthcare.gov and were determined eligible for CHIP, your application transfers to Kentucky automatically. You do not need to reapply through kynect separately.
What CHIP is nationally
CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data.
Kentucky Medicaid
- kynect online application: kynect.ky.gov
- kynect phone line: 1-855-459-6328
- KCHIP family resources: kidshealth.ky.gov
Related guides
For Pregnant Women
Coverage, income rules, and postpartum benefits during pregnancy.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →What Medicaid Covers
The services every state must cover, plus benefits that vary by state.
Read more →