Kentucky runs real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here is what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
18% of the state
each with its own page
that can pay a relative
see the full rule below
Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Rules from each state's published Medicaid program
$29.04/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Kentucky Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlists here can be long. Apply as soon as you can.
HCB Waiver ~17,800 slots/yr — waitlist forms when full; Michelle P. Waiver has a long-standing multi-year waitlist
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — under the HCB waiver a spouse can be paid through Participant Directed Services only with written state approval (907 KAR 7:010); the Michelle P. waiver allows spouses, up to 40 hours a week
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — parents/guardians (legally responsible individuals) payable under Michelle P./HCB only for extraordinary or specialized care (rule eff. 7/1/2024), capped 40 hrs/wk combined, CPR training required
Run by: KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Dept. for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) 877-315-0589
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Apply via kynect.ky.gov, phone 855-306-8959, or in person; PDS enrollment goes through the case manager or the regional Area Development District/AAA.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Kentucky, they are overseen by the KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Dept. for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) 877-315-0589. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
Care at home costs Medicaid far less than a nursing home. So states pay family members to give that care at home. It's good for your loved one, and it's the law working the way it should.
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed. The fine print: limited — under the HCB waiver a spouse can be paid through Participant Directed Services only with written state approval (907 KAR 7:010); the Michelle P. waiver allows spouses, up to 40 hours a week
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — parents/guardians (legally responsible individuals) payable under Michelle P./HCB only for extraordinary or specialized care (rule eff. 7/1/2024), capped 40 hrs/wk combined, CPR training required
Reported figures are around $29.04/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Waitlists here can be long. Apply as soon as you can. Details: HCB Waiver ~17,800 slots/yr — waitlist forms when full; Michelle P. Waiver has a long-standing multi-year waitlist
It depends on the program. In Kentucky: self-directed with mandatory financial management services agency for payroll/taxes; support broker/case manager assists
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · chfs.ky.gov · apps.legislature.ky.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Kentucky. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Guides
Start with the Kentucky caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Across the line
Each state writes its own rules, and they differ more than people expect — a spouse who can be paid on one side of the line often cannot be on the other.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.