Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Kentucky. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Kentucky)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Kentucky SHIP)
Kentucky runs the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), housed in the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and delivered through the Area Agencies on Aging. SHIP gives free, objective one-on-one help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, Medicaid questions, enrollment, and appeals. Statewide toll-free line: 1-877-293-7447. Online: chfs.ky.gov (search "SHIP"). SHIP counselors do not sell insurance.
Medicaid in Kentucky
Kentucky Medicaid is administered by the Department for Medicaid Services and accessed through kynect benefits, the state's benefits portal. Apply online at kynect.ky.gov, by phone at 1-855-459-6328 (kynect/Benefind, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET), or in person at a local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. Kentucky Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Kentucky does not run a broad state pharmaceutical assistance program that pays a fixed share of drug costs for all seniors. Start with Kentucky SHIP at 1-877-293-7447, which screens you for Medicare Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy) and helps you apply. You can also use BenefitsCheckUp.org to find manufacturer and nonprofit patient assistance programs for specific medications.
Energy and utility help
Kentucky runs LIHEAP through Community Action Kentucky in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, delivered by local Community Action Agencies that operate in all 120 counties. LIHEAP has a Subsidy component and a Crisis component for winter heating, plus a summer cooling benefit when funds allow. To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency (find it at capky.org/network or call 1-800-456-3452), or dial 211. Both homeowners and renters may apply. Note the program runs in seasonal enrollment windows, so call ahead for current dates.
Property tax relief (Kentucky)
- Kentucky Homestead Exemption (Section 170 of the Kentucky Constitution), filed with your county Property Valuation Administrator (PVA): this exemption subtracts a set dollar amount from the assessed value of your primary residence before property tax is calculated. For the 2025-2026 assessment years the exemption amount is $49,100. To qualify you must own and live in the home and be at least 65 years old during the tax period, or be classified as totally disabled under a federal, Kentucky, or other public or private retirement program. Apply once with your county PVA (provide proof of age such as a driver's license or birth certificate, or proof of disability); the exemption is recalculated by the state every two years. There is no income limit for the basic age-65 exemption.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Kentucky's Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living, coordinated through DAIL, arrange home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. Reach your local AAA through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, contact Kentucky Legal Aid (1-866-452-9243), Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, or AppalReD Legal Aid depending on your region, or ask your Area Agency on Aging.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kentucky's SHIP program? It is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, housed in the Department for Aging and Independent Living. Free Medicare counseling at 1-877-293-7447.
Does Kentucky offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Kentucky Homestead Exemption subtracts $49,100 (for the 2025-2026 assessment years) from the assessed value of the primary residence for homeowners age 65 or older, or totally disabled. Apply with your county PVA; no income limit for the age-65 exemption.
How do Kentucky seniors apply for Medicaid? Through kynect benefits at kynect.ky.gov, by phone at 1-855-459-6328, or in person at a Department for Community Based Services office.
How do Kentucky seniors get help with heating bills? Through LIHEAP, delivered by local Community Action Agencies. Find your agency at capky.org/network, call 1-800-456-3452, or dial 211.
Sources
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services, State Health Insurance Assistance Program / SHIP (1-877-293-7447): https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/ship.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.
- kynect benefits, Kentucky Medicaid (apply at kynect.ky.gov, 1-855-459-6328): https://www.kynect.ky.gov/benefits/s/medicaid-kchip-program?language=en_US . Verified June 8, 2026.
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pdb/Pages/liheap.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.
- Kentucky Department of Revenue, Homestead Exemption ($49,100 for 2025-2026, age 65 or totally disabled, filed with county PVA): https://revenue.ky.gov/Property/Residential-Farm-Commercial-Property/Pages/Homestead-Exemption.aspx . Verified June 8, 2026.