State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Kentucky. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
Medicare Savings Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky Medicaid's Medicare Savings Program helps pay your Medicare Part B premium, and at the lowest income level (QMB) also your Part A premium, deductibles and coinsurance.
You may qualify if your income is under the limits below and your savings are under $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple. You can apply online through kynect, by phone, or at your local DCBS office.
How to apply in Kentucky
- By phone
- 1-855-306-8959
- In person
- At your local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. Staff can help you fill out the application there.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Kentucky
| 2026 figures | One person | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB income limit | $1,330 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $1,804 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| SLMB income limit | $1,596 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $2,164 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| QI income limit | $1,796 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $2,435 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| Savings limit | $9,950 | $14,910 |
Source: Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (source 1)
What you may get
| What QMB pays | Your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance |
|---|---|
| What SLMB pays | Your Part B premium only (no deductibles or coinsurance) |
| What QI pays | Your Part B premium only (no deductibles or coinsurance) |
Source: Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (source 1)
Good to know
- Kentucky's fact sheet shows its income limits without the first $20 of monthly income, which isn't counted. With that $20 added back, they line up with the federal limits ($1,350 for one person and $1,824 for a couple for QMB).
- Some things don't count toward the savings limit, such as the home you live in, one car, furniture and some life insurance policies.
Source: Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (source 1)
Free help
Free help with this in Kentucky
Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Kentucky
Medicare Savings Programs in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, Medicare Savings Program Fact Sheet (MAP-16, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, Medicare Savings Program: Help in Paying Medicare Out-of-Pocket Expenses (MAP-15, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, How to Apply for Medicaid (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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