State guide

Kentucky

Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Kentucky. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.

Kentucky overview

Kentucky's Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) administers the Michelle P. Waiver — one of the more well-known state waivers for families with developmental disabilities. Apply early; the waitlist is long. Kentucky also has a Home and Community-Based Services waiver. For early intervention, contact First Steps Kentucky. The Kentucky Parent Training and Information Center (KPTI) is the state's PTI. The Autism Society of the Bluegrass and Seven Counties Services provide regional clinical and family support.

Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Kentucky Michelle P. Waiver (DBHDID)

Typical wait: varies — typically 2–8 years

Apply through Kentucky DBHDID the day of diagnosis — the Michelle P. Waiver is Kentucky's primary HCBS waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Named after a Kentucky family's advocacy, the Michelle P. Waiver funds home and community-based supports. Apply early.

Apply or learn more →

Statewide resources

These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Kentucky.

No state ABA insurance mandate

No state private insurance mandate for ABA. Kentucky Medicaid covers ABA for children under 21. Contact the Kentucky Department of Insurance for assistance if your private insurer denies ABA coverage.

Medicaid Waiver

Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Kentucky.

HCBS Michelle P. Waiver

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Medicaid Services

Currently closed

Typical wait time

3-5 years

Coverage highlights

  • ✓Respite
  • ✓Supported Living
  • ✗Therapy
  • ✓Employment Supports

Kentucky's Michelle P. Waiver (named after a Kentucky resident whose family advocated for its creation) covers home and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities and related conditions including autism. Apply through the Department for Medicaid Services as early as possible given the waitlist. Kentucky also has a Supports for Community Living waiver.

How to apply

Apply online →800-372-2973

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Kentucky.

Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky HEALTH / Passport)

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit chfs.ky.gov/medicaid or call 1-855-459-6328. Your plan name is on your Kentucky Medicaid ID card.

Major plans in this state

  • Aetna Better Health of Kentucky
  • Anthem HealthKeepers Plus (Kentucky)
  • Humana CareSource
  • Molina Healthcare of Kentucky

Kentucky Medicaid uses multiple managed care organizations statewide. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Prior authorization is required. Contact your MCO to find in-network ABA providers and to start the authorization process.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

120 counties