Kentucky's new CHILD waiver is now taking applications

Kentucky has a new waiver for children and youth up to age 21 who have high-intensity behavioral health or developmental needs. It is called CHILD, and the state is now accepting applications.

What's changing

CHILD stands for Community Health for Improved Lives and Development. It is Kentucky's seventh 1915(c) waiver. A 1915(c) waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for services at home and in the community.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved CHILD on November 6, 2025. It took effect January 1, 2026. Recently, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) updated its pages to show the program is up and running. The waiver page says:

"DMS is now certifying providers and accepting participant applications for the new CHILD program"

That is from the CHFS waiver pages. DMS is the Department for Medicaid Services.

One thing is still in progress. The state regulations the CHILD page cites (907 KAR 2:720 and 2:725) are still going through the state's adoption process.

Who it affects (and who it doesn't)

CHILD is for Kentucky children and youth up to age 21 with high-intensity behavioral health or developmental needs.

It is not for adults. People on Kentucky's other six waivers are not affected. Their programs are unchanged.

Key dates

• January 1, 2026: The CHILD waiver took effect.

This update does not list a deadline to apply.

What you can do

1. If CHILD sounds like a fit for your child, apply through kynect.
2. You can also apply in person at an Aging and Disability Resource Center or a Community Mental Health Center.
3. Keep a copy of anything you send in and anything you get back.

If you have questions, call the DMS 1915(c) Waiver Help Desk at (844) 784-5614.