Special Programs

Who We Are

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has special Medicaid programs to provide additional services to Medicaid members. In addition, the Kentucky Department for Public Health has special programs paid by Medicaid or based on Medicaid eligibility for which you or someone in your family may qualify.

Programs and Services

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
  Women who were screened by a local health department and determined to need treatment for breast or cervical cancer can receive treatment through Kentucky Medicaid Services.
• Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services (EPSDT) Program
  EPSDT is a federally mandated Medicaid program for children.
• Medicare Savings Plan Program
  Kentucky Medicaid provides partial financial assistance with Medicare premiums, deductibles or coinsurance.
• Medicaid Works
  Medicaid Works is a program for people with disabilities who work.
• School-Based Health Services
  School-Based Health Services must be included in the child’s individual education plan.
• Tobacco Cessation
  Kentucky Medicaid provides coverage for FDA-approved tobacco cessation products and counseling. The Kentucky Department for Public Health also provides tobacco cessation programs, some of which are provided by local health departments.
• Medicaid Waivers
  Kentucky currently offers five Medicaid waivers. These 1915(c) waivers allow Kentucky to decline certain Medicaid requirements and provide long-term care services and supports in a member’s home or community rather than an institutional setting.
• Health Access Nurturing and Development Services (HANDS)
  HANDS is administered by the Department for Public Health as a voluntary home visitation program for new or expectant parents. HANDS supports families as they build healthy, safe environments for the optimal growth and development of children.
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
  If you are pregnant, recently had a baby, are breastfeeding or have a child younger than 5 WIC could help you. This program also is administered by the Department for Public Health.
• First Steps Program
  First Steps is a statewide early intervention program administered through the Department for Public Health providing services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their families.
• Colon Cancer Prevention Program
  The Kentucky Colon Cancer Prevention Program is administered by the Department for Public Health. It is a population-based health initiative to reduce new cases of colon cancer and associated disability and death with the involvement of state, regional and local health professionals.
• Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
  The VFC program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. This program is administered by the Department for Public Health. This program helps ensure all children have a better chance to receive recommended vaccinations on schedule. Vaccines available through the VFC program are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to protect babies, young children and adolescents from various diseases.