Understanding Kentucky Medicaid Waiver Services
Kentucky's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs allow individuals to receive Medicaid-funded support at home and in their community — instead of in a nursing home or residential facility. We're an authorized provider for multiple Kentucky waiver programs.
Not sure which waiver is right for you? That's completely normal — the Kentucky waiver system can be complex. Contact us for a free preliminary screening and our team will help you determine which program is the best fit at no cost to you.
Programs We Support
Click any program below to learn more about who qualifies and what services are covered.
Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)
Medicaid-funded home and community-based supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live independently — without institutional placement.
Who Qualifies
- Intellectual disability diagnosed prior to age 18
- IQ of 70 or below
- At least 2 deficits in adaptive functioning
- Enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- Requires the level of care of an ICF/IID
Services Covered
- Case management
- Behavioral supports
- Personal assistance
- Community living supports
- Respite care for caregivers
- Supported employment
- Day training & habilitation
Community Inclusion KY is an authorized MPW provider serving individuals statewide across Kentucky.
Apply for MPW Services →Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver
Community-based supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities — including a residential component for those needing more structured living arrangements.
Who Qualifies
- Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- Requires the level of care of an ICF/IID
- Can be home-based or residential setting
Services Covered
- Case management
- Day training & habilitation
- Personal assistance
- Supported employment
- Occupational & physical therapy
- Transportation
- Residential support services
The SCL Waiver also supports individuals in community residential settings — not just in-home.
Apply for SCL Services →Kentucky CHILD Waiver
The Community Health for Improved Lives and Development (CHILD) Waiver — home-based wraparound support for children and youth with complex behavioral or developmental needs. Community Inclusion KY is one of the first authorized providers statewide.
Who Qualifies
- Children and young adults under age 21
- Must meet level of care for a PRTF or ICF/IID
- Multi-system involvement (e.g. foster care)
- High-acuity behavioral or developmental needs
- Enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
Services Covered
- Case management
- Clinical therapeutic services
- Community living supports
- Respite care for parents & caregivers
- Supervised residential care
- Environmental home modifications
- In-home behavioral support
Trauma-Informed & Family-First: We bridge the gap from diagnosis to long-term community support for youth with high-intensity needs.
Apply for CHILD Waiver →(i)Rise Initiative
Recovery. Independence. Support. Engagement. A specialized Kentucky Medicaid program providing HCBS to adults 18+ with Serious Mental Illness — helping them secure housing, employment, and thrive in their communities.
Who Qualifies
- Adults 18 years or older
- Enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- Primary diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, or Major Depressive Disorder)
- Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder also eligible
Services Available
- Case management & care coordination
- Housing support & tenancy services
- Independent living skills training
- Supported employment coaching
- Supported education (GED, college, trade school)
- Medication management
- Assistive technology
- Non-medical transportation
iRise Contacts:
Amber Riddle (Access to Care) — amber@communityinclusionky.com
Amanda Hallman — (I)Rise Director & Case Manager
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver
Home and community-based supports for adults with an acquired brain injury who want to live in the community as independently as possible. Community Inclusion serves individuals on both the ABI and ABI Long Term Care waivers.
Who Qualifies
- Adults with an acquired brain injury
- Enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- Requires the level of care of a nursing facility
- Able to be safely served in the community
Services Covered
- Case management
- Personal assistance
- Community living supports
- Behavioral supports
- Respite care
- Home modifications
- Supported employment
We serve individuals on both the ABI Waiver and ABI Long Term Care (ABI-LTC) waiver across Kentucky.
Apply for ABI Services →Waiver Comparison
A quick overview of which programs may apply to your situation.
| Program | Age | Population | Home-Based | Residential | Employment Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle P. Waiver | All ages | IDD | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| SCL Waiver | All ages | IDD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CHILD Waiver | Under 21 | Complex behavioral / developmental | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| (i)Rise Initiative | 18+ | Serious Mental Illness | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ABI Waiver | 18+ | Acquired Brain Injury | ✓ | — | ✓ |
How to Access Waiver Services
The Kentucky waiver process has several steps — but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here's what to expect.
Apply for Kentucky Medicaid
Submit a Medicaid application through kynect.ky.gov or in person at your local DCBS office. Waiver eligibility is separate from general Medicaid eligibility.
Get Assessed for Waiver Eligibility
Once your Medicaid application is approved or pending, apply for waiver services through a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) or Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
Choose Community Inclusion KY as Your Provider
Once approved and granted a waiver slot, you have the right to choose your own provider. Choose us within 60 days of approval. Many providers have waitlists — contact us early.
Start Services
Our team will develop a personalized, person-centered support plan and begin delivering services in your home and community — on your terms.
We'll Walk You Through Every Step
Whether you're applying for a waiver for the first time or switching providers, our team is here to make the process as smooth as possible — at no cost to you.
Start with Community Inclusion → Email Us a QuestionGeneral: info@communityinclusionky.com
iRise: amber@communityinclusionky.com
Phone: 606-770-3300
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about Kentucky waiver services.
What is a Kentucky Medicaid waiver?
A Medicaid waiver is a special program that allows states to provide home and community-based services to individuals who would otherwise require care in a nursing home, hospital, or residential facility. Kentucky operates several waivers through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
How do I apply for a Kentucky waiver?
You must first be eligible for Kentucky Medicaid. Apply through kynect.ky.gov or in person at your local DCBS office. Once approved, contact us and we'll help you navigate your waiver options at no cost.
Is there a waitlist for waiver services?
Some Kentucky waiver programs do have waitlists. Placement is based on application date, not urgency of need — so we recommend applying as early as possible. Contact our team and we'll help you get started right away.
Can I choose my own provider?
Yes! Once approved for a Kentucky waiver, you have the right to choose your own provider. Community Inclusion KY is an authorized provider across Kentucky, supporting multiple waiver programs.
What's the difference between MPW and SCL?
Both serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Michelle P. Waiver is home-based only. The SCL Waiver also includes a residential component, supporting individuals in community living arrangements. Our team can help determine which is the best fit for your situation.
Does Community Inclusion accept self-pay clients?
Yes. Community Inclusion KY now accepts self-pay clients for select services. Apply online or contact us at info@communityinclusionky.com for more information about self-pay options.
Ready to Get Started?
Apply online, or reach out and we'll help you figure out the right path forward — at no cost.