Kansas Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Kansas.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Kansas Department of Health and Environment - KanCare
Processing Time
30-45 days for institutional Medicaid, up to 90 days for waiver programs
Kansas Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Kansas, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Kansas follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
No income limit (must spend down to $994/month)
Married Couple (One Applying)
$2,982/month per applicant (spend down applies)
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Kansas Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $6,550/month average (the average monthly nursing home cost in Kansas).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Kansas
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Kansas once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $6,550/month average. Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Frail Elderly Waiver (Assisted Living Services): Kansas's Frail Elderly Waiver allows participants to receive services in assisted living facilities, boarding care homes, and residential health care facilities. The waiver covers personal care and supportive services but does not cover room and board - residents are responsible for paying their own living expenses.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Kansas offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Frail Elderly Waiver
Serves Kansas residents age 65+ who meet nursing facility level of care. Provides adult day care, assisted living services, boarding care home services, personal emergency response systems, nursing evaluation visits, and case management. Participants are responsible for paying room and board costs.
Program Details →Physical Disability Waiver
Serves individuals age 16-64 with physical disabilities who meet nursing facility level of care criteria. Provides personal services, assistive services, home-delivered meals, medication reminders, and personal emergency response systems.
Program Details →Brain Injury Waiver
Provides specialized services for individuals with acquired brain injury who require institutional level of care. Services include cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral supports, residential services, and day programs.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Kansas
Kansas Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days for institutional Medicaid, up to 90 days for waiver programs. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Kansas through:
- Online at https://www.kancare.ks.gov/apply-now
- Call KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884
- In-person at local DCF (Department for Children and Families) office
- Contact ADRC at 1-855-200-2372 for waiver applications
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Kansas from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Kansas-Specific Programs and Resources
KanCare (Medicaid Managed Care)
Kansas's integrated managed care program that coordinates physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services through three managed care organizations.
Learn MoreAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Single entry point for long-term services and supports information. Provides options counseling and referrals to waiver programs. Call 1-855-200-ADRC (2372).
Learn MoreNeed Help with Kansas Medicaid?
Contact Kansas Department of Health and Environment - KanCare for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.