For the first time in five years, Kentucky families with children on Medicaid will once again be required to complete annual renewals to maintain coverage. State health officials are urging parents and guardians to prepare now — starting with making sure their contact information is accurate and current.
Families should update their information at kynect.ky.gov or call 855-4kynect (855-459-6328) to avoid missing important renewal notices. Emails, phone calls, or letters from the state may require quick responses to keep children enrolled.
Priscilla Easterling, director of outreach and enrollment at Kentucky Voices for Health, said the most important first step is verifying personal contact information.
“You can do that by logging into your own self-service portal or calling the call center or reaching out to a Kynector,” she said. “Kynectors are available in every county, their services are free, and they can help families enroll or renew coverage through Kynect.”
Easterling also emphasized that children may qualify for Medicaid even when adults in the household do not. She noted that income limits for kids are significantly higher than for adults.
“For example, for a household of four, the income limit for adults is $44,000,” she explained. “But for children, they would be eligible up to $70,000 in household income. So just keep that in mind. When in doubt, just fill it out.”
Tips for Families Facing Renewal:
- Make sure your contact information is updated at kynect.ky.gov
- Watch closely for mail, email, or phone notices from the state
- Respond quickly to any request for information or forms
- Don’t assume your child is ineligible — let the system make the decision
- Get free help from a Kynector or local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office
The effort is supported by ThriveKY, a statewide coalition led by Kentucky Voices for Health and the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy that works to ensure Kentuckians’ basic needs are met.
Officials say taking action early will help prevent lapses in coverage — ensuring children continue receiving checkups, prescriptions, and essential care without interruption.
