Page Reviewed / Updated – June 13, 2023

Program Description

The Kentucky Personal Care Attendant Program (PCAP) is a state-funded program designed for physically disabled Kentucky residents that have a functional loss of two or more limbs. Though not a Medicaid program, it is based on the Medicaid concept of “consumer-direction.” This approach allows the program participant to select and manage their own care providers, rather than rely on the state agency to manage providers on their behalf.

An objective of this program is to prevent the unnecessary or premature institutionalization of the disabled, and therefore, persons participating in this program must be willing to live at home or in another non-institutional setting.

Eligibility Guidelines

General Requirements

Age
This program is open to all Kentucky residents age 18 and older.

Functional Ability
Candidates must have a loss of function in two or more of their limbs and require at least 14 hours of care per week, but less than 40 hours. They must be at risk of needing to be institutionalized if not for this program.

PCAP is intended for individuals who have physical limitations, but still have the mental capacity to instruct, supervise, and hire their own care providers. They must also have the capability to take on the financial role of being an employer, such as doing payroll and filling out paperwork related to employer tax. Friends and relatives, including spouses and adult children, can be hired to provide care.

Financial Requirements

If an applicant is enrolled in Medicaid or receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income) payments, one is income eligible. For those who are not enrolled in Medicaid or SSI, one is income eligible if he or she has an annual income less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

As of 2023, this means a single applicant must have an annual income no greater than $2,430 a month. For married applicants, the annual income limit increases to $3,286 a month. However, being over the income limit does not mean that one can’t qualify for this program. Certain expenses, such as prescriptions and doctor bills, can be deducted from one’s income in order to effectively lower their income.

Benefits and Services

This program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants to get services and supports they need to remain living independently. Below are some of the activities / tasks a personal care attendant may provide. 

  • Assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
  • Housekeeping and laundry
  • Shopping for groceries and other essentials
  • Meal preparation
  • Transportation assistance

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How to Apply / Learn More

To learn more about the Personal Care Attendant Program, click here. The application process begins by contacting one of Kentucky’s local Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living. These agencies are specific to one’s county of residence; one can find their local office on this webpage.

The agency will provide a coordinator that guides the applicant through the process. Interested parties should be aware that there may be a wait list for participation in this program.