Kentucky • Rare/Genetic

Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in Kentucky

People with Cystic Fibrosis in Kentucky may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.

Cystic Fibrosis is a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI.
Kentucky offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities.
You can get help applying for benefits through state and nonprofit agencies.
Work incentives allow you to keep some benefits while working.
ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet the Social Security Administration’s work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [7].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Cystic Fibrosis is considered a disabling condition if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities [5].
Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [7].
The Social Security Administration uses a list of Compassionate Allowances, which includes Cystic Fibrosis, to speed up the application process for certain severe conditions [1].

In Kentucky, people with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid, which covers medical care, medications, and therapies. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and disability status [2].
Kentucky also offers Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services such as personal care, respite care, and habilitation services [2].
Children with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP), which provides monthly cash benefits for families with children [8].
Kentucky’s public assistance programs aim to help families become self-sufficient by providing food, cash, and medical assistance [2].
Young adults with disabilities, including Cystic Fibrosis, can stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, and coverage may be extended beyond 26 for dependents with disabilities [2].

How to apply in Kentucky

Call Centauri Health Solutions at 1-866-454-0411 for free help applying for SSI or SSDI if you are a WellCare of Kentucky member [1].
Apply online for Medicaid or K-TAP through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov [2].
Contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov to apply for SSDI or SSI [7].
For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Development District office or the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services [2].

Step 1: Gather medical records and proof of income. You will need documentation of your Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. You can also get free help from Centauri Health Solutions at 1-866-454-0411 if you are a WellCare of Kentucky member [1].
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid or K-TAP through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 for help with the application [2].
Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Development District office or the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. They can help you apply for home and community-based services [2].
Step 5: If you are applying for an ABLE account, visit the Kentucky ABLE website or call 1-844-522-5300 for more information [3].
Step 6: Report any changes in your income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments and ensure you continue to receive benefits [4].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people who have worked and paid into Social Security and are now disabled. The amount is based on your work history [5].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with low income and limited resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older [5].
Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [5].
Medicaid: Available to people with low income and disabilities, including Cystic Fibrosis [5].

Medicaid: Covers medical care, medications, and therapies for people with disabilities, including Cystic Fibrosis. Eligibility is based on income and disability status [2].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services such as personal care, respite care, and habilitation services for people with disabilities [2].
Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP): Provides monthly cash benefits for families with children, including those with disabilities [8].
Kentucky ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits [3].
Habilitation Services: Include speech/language, physical therapy, and occupational therapy for children and adults with disabilities [2].

Money & Banking

Kentucky ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $17,000 per year without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like Medicaid or SSI [3].
Funds in an ABLE account can be used for disability-related expenses such as medical care, education, housing, and transportation [3].
To open an ABLE account, visit the Kentucky ABLE website or call 1-844-522-5300 [3].

SSI income limits for 2025 are $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for a couple [1].
SSDI does not have income limits, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit to receive benefits. The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [6].
Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and disability status [2].

You must report any changes in your income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments and ensure you continue to receive benefits [4].
If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the amount or have future benefits reduced [4].
For more information on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes [4].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Centauri Health Solutions offers free help applying for SSI or SSDI for WellCare of Kentucky members. Call 1-866-454-0411 for assistance.

Contacts

Centauri Health Solutions
Phone: 1-866-454-0411
Website
Free help applying for SSI/SSDI for WellCare of Kentucky members.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website
Apply for SSDI or SSI online or by phone.
Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange
Phone: 1-800-318-2596
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website
Apply for Medicaid or K-TAP online or by phone.

FAQs

Can people with Cystic Fibrosis get SSI or SSDI in Kentucky?
Yes, people with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition prevents them from working for at least 12 months. Cystic Fibrosis is on the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances list, which speeds up the application process [1][5][7].
What is the income limit for SSI in Kentucky?
The SSI income limit for 2025 is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 per month for a couple. These limits may change each year based on cost-of-living adjustments [1][6].
How do I apply for Medicaid in Kentucky?
You can apply for Medicaid online at healthcare.gov or by phone with help from an insurance agent or assister. You will need to provide proof of income and disability status [2].
What are Medicaid waivers in Kentucky?
Medicaid waivers in Kentucky provide home and community-based services such as personal care, respite care, and habilitation services for people with disabilities. You can apply through your local Area Development District office or the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services [2].
Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?
Yes, you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [6].
What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like Medicaid or SSI. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses such as medical care, education, housing, and transportation [3].

Official resources

Disability Benefits - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority(state_agency)
How to Qualify for SSDI(federal)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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