Kansas
What Is Kansas Medicaid and Who Is It For?
How Does Kansas Medicaid Help Seniors?
Kansas Medicaid, known as KanCare, is a health insurance program for low-income individuals, including those aged 65 and older. It covers care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult foster homes, as well as non-medical services to help elderly residents remain in their homes.
What Types of Long-Term Care Medicaid Programs Are Available in Kansas?
What Is Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid?
This entitlement program guarantees services to all who qualify and covers care only in licensed nursing homes.
What Are Medicaid Waivers or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?
Not an entitlement, these programs limit participant numbers and may have waitlists. Services aim to prevent institutionalization by offering care in homes, adult day care centers, assisted living, or adult foster homes.
What Is Regular Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD)?
Also an entitlement, this option provides limited long-term care services such as personal care or adult day care for eligible seniors.
What Are the Financial Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid in Kansas?
What Are the 2025 Income and Asset Limits for Medicaid?
Eligibility differs by program type and marital status. For Nursing Home Medicaid in 2025:
| Type of Medicaid | Single | Married (both applying) | Married (one applying) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Limit | No set limit* | No set limit* | No set limit* |
| Asset Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 (applicant) & $157,920 (non-applicant) |
| Level of Care | Nursing Home | Nursing Home | Nursing Home |
*Most income must be paid toward care costs. Exceptions may apply for insurance and a spouse’s allowance.
What About Medicaid Waivers and ABD?
Waivers follow similar income rules as institutional care. ABD has defined income limits:
- Single: $967/month income, $2,000 assets
- Married (both): $1,450/month income, $3,000 assets
- Married (one): $1,450/month income, $3,000 assets
What Counts as Income and How Is It Evaluated?
What Types of Income Are Counted?
Most income sources are countable, including wages, pensions, gifts, and Social Security. Exceptions include Holocaust restitution and VA Aid & Attendance benefits.
How Is Income Treated in a Married Couple?
For Nursing Home or Waiver applicants, only the applicant’s income is counted. The non-applicant may receive a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA), which is $2,643.75 (7/1/25–6/30/26), up to a cap of $3,948/month.
What About Regular Medicaid for Couples?
Both spouses’ incomes are considered, and there is no MMMNA provision for non-applicant spouses.
What Counts as an Asset and What Is Exempt?
Which Assets Are Counted and Which Are Exempt?
Countable assets include savings, stocks, and additional properties. Exempt assets include personal effects, one vehicle, specific life insurance policies, and the primary home (if lived in by the applicant or spouse).
How Are Assets Handled for Married Couples?
Assets are considered jointly owned. The non-applicant spouse can keep up to $157,920, or all assets up to $31,584 if their share is below that. This protection doesn’t apply to Regular Medicaid.
What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Rule?
What Is the 5-Year Look-Back Period in Kansas?
Kansas reviews asset transfers from the past 60 months to ensure none were improperly gifted or undervalued. Violations trigger ineligibility penalties.
Do Federal Gift Tax Limits Apply?
No. Even gifts within IRS tax-exempt limits may violate Medicaid’s look-back rule.
Is the Home Always Protected Under Medicaid?
When Is a Home Exempt from Medicaid?
The home is exempt if the applicant or their spouse resides in it. If not, equity must be below $730,000 and the applicant must intend to return. This limit does not apply to Regular Medicaid.
Can Medicaid Recover Costs from the Home?
Yes. Kansas can pursue reimbursement from the estate, often targeting the home unless planning strategies were used.
What Are the Medical and Functional Requirements?
What Level of Care Is Needed to Qualify?
Nursing Home and Waiver programs require a Nursing Home Level of Care (NHLOC). Regular Medicaid requires help with daily activities (ADLs) but not necessarily NHLOC.
What If Someone Is Over the Income or Asset Limits?
How Does the Medically Needy Pathway Work?
Kansas offers a Spend Down Program for those over income limits. In 2025, the Protected Income Level (PIL) is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Excess income must be spent on medical costs before Medicaid kicks in.
What Is Asset Spend Down?
Excess assets can be spent on non-countable items like home modifications, burial plans, or debt. Gifting assets violates Medicaid rules. Documentation is crucial.
Can Medicaid Planning Help?
Yes. Medicaid planners help applicants qualify legally and may protect assets like homes from estate recovery. A Certified Medicaid Planner can assist.
What Specific Medicaid Programs Are Offered in Kansas?
HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver
This program helps seniors live independently with services like adult day care, assisted living, and emergency alert systems.
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
PACE integrates Medicaid and Medicare benefits, offering additional services like dental and vision care.
Money Follows the Person
This federal program assists those in nursing homes to transition back into home or community living settings.
How Do You Apply for Kansas Medicaid?
What Are the Application Options?
- Online via the KanCare Self-Service Portal
- Request a paper form by calling 1-800-792-4884
- Mail completed forms to KanCare Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3599, Topeka, KS 66601-9738
- Fax to 1-844-264-6285
What Should You Do Before Applying?
Ensure you meet the financial and medical eligibility rules. If in doubt, consult a Medicaid Planning Professional to improve your chances and safeguard your assets.
