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Postpartum Health Coverage and Maternity Support for Single Mothers in Kentucky

Last updated: September 2025

If you’re a single mom in Kentucky and need postpartum health coverage or maternity support, this is your all‑in‑one guide. You can apply for benefits through the state’s online portal at kynect benefits, get phone help at DCBS Family Support 1-855-306-8959, and look up local offices using the CHFS Local Office Directory. For medical coverage rules and plan choices, use Kentucky Medicaid Member Info, review the 2025 MCO options, and, if you’re in crisis, call 988 Kentucky any time. (chfs.ky.gov)


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take:

  • Call 988 for mental health or substance‑use crisis support and ask for a warm hand‑off to your regional community mental health center via 988 Kentucky; if you need postpartum‑specific peer support, contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline 1-800-944-4773; for domestic violence safety planning, reach The Hotline 1-800-799-7233. (988.ky.gov)
  • Apply the same day for coverage and food help at kynect benefits and ask for “expedited SNAP” during your interview; if you’re pregnant or just gave birth, tell the worker to screen you for “presumptive eligibility” and postpartum Medicaid through CHFS Pregnant Women; if you can’t get online, call DCBS Family Support 1-855-306-8959. (chfs.ky.gov)
  • Stop a power or heat shutoff by scheduling a same‑day appointment for LIHEAP Crisis with your local Community Action office using CAPKY’s network finder or calling 1-800-456-3452; also ask your utility for a medical‑need hold and review the PSC disconnection rules at 807 KAR 5:006. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy:

Postpartum Health Coverage in Kentucky

Start here: apply or update your case in kynect benefits, then pick a Medicaid plan using MCO options; if you’re already on a plan, verify your doctors in the Medicaid Provider Directory. Kentucky covers a full year of postpartum Medicaid under state regulation 907 KAR 20:100—pregnancy eligibility runs to “365 days after delivery”—and pregnant individuals qualify up to 195% of the federal poverty level; children qualify through KCHIP to 213%–218% FPL depending on rule and 5% disregard. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

What this means for you: if you had pregnancy Medicaid, you keep full benefits during the 12‑month postpartum period, including mental health and substance‑use care through your MCO; after Jan 1, 2025, Anthem left Kentucky Medicaid, so members were reassigned and can switch; use kynect health coverage for help, call plan phone lines, and review the Maternal Health & Wellness and Value‑Added Benefits PDFs for extras like doula support or car seats. (chfs.ky.gov)

Reality Check: postpartum extensions are solid, but provider networks change; always confirm your OB/GYN and pediatrician are “in‑network” using your plan’s directory, then call the office to double‑check; if you’re waiting on a card, print proof from kynect benefits, use the Access to Care form for delays, and escalate via the CHFS Ombudsman if you can’t get timely care. (chfs.ky.gov)

Postpartum Coverage—Key Kentucky Rules (2025)

Program Who’s eligible Income level Coverage length Apply
Medicaid (pregnancy/postpartum) Pregnant person and 12‑month postpartum Up to 195% FPL (MAGI) Through 365 days after delivery kynect benefits
KCHIP (kids) Children <19 without other coverage Up to 213% FPL + 5% disregard (policy), public pages also show 218% Continuous 12 months KCHIP apply
Presumptive Eligibility (PE) Pregnant person not yet on Medicaid Income per 907 KAR 20:100 Up to 60 days while full eligibility is decided PE details

Source details: 907 KAR 20:100 (postpartum 365 days; 195% FPL); KCHIP rules 907 KAR 4:020/030 (213% + 5% disregard). Verify current thresholds during your application. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask a hospital or health department to start your PE (presumptive eligibility) using CHFS PE rules, submit your final application at kynect benefits, and get help from a local kynector via KHBE find an assister. If a plan won’t authorize postpartum care, use the plan appeal in your member handbook and file a complaint via CHFS Member Info. (chfs.ky.gov)

Your Managed‑Care Plan (MCO) and Maternal Extras

First step: call your plan’s maternity care line to enroll in its program and lock in benefits like car seats, diapers, or doula services; use Medicaid MCO options for phone numbers, read the 2025 Value‑Added Benefits comparison, and verify providers through the Medicaid Provider Directory. Some plans list doula services or Healthy Baby rewards in 2025—check your plan’s page. (chfs.ky.gov)

Pro tip: if your plan changed from Anthem to another MCO in 2025, your coverage didn’t end—call kynect health coverage to choose a different MCO if needed, review the Anthem transition page, and keep your appointments by asking providers to bill your new plan. (chfs.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if a plan denies a benefit listed in the 2025 comparison, file an appeal using your plan’s handbook, then call the DMS Member line at CHFS Member Info for help and consider a plan change through kynect health coverage. (chfs.ky.gov)

Dental, Vision, and Hearing After Birth

Book appointments early: adult Medicaid includes a limited dental benefit—exams, X‑rays, extractions, fillings—under Dental Services policy; your MCO may add extras in its Value‑Added Benefits guide; for vision and hearing, check current coverage notices under 907 KAR 1:026/1:038/1:632 and call your plan to confirm. Use the Medicaid Provider Directory to find in‑network dentists and optometrists. (chfs.ky.gov)

Reality Check: adult dental access can be tight; call more than one office, ask about cancellations, and request a “first‑available” appointment; if you’re in pain, ask your plan for an urgent slot and bring your Medicaid ID and a photo ID; check whether your plan’s benefits include dental gift card rewards in the 2025 VAB comparison. (chfs.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: file a grievance with your plan (keep the case number), then use the Access to Care form to alert Kentucky Medicaid; if dental problems become urgent, go to an in‑network emergency dentist or ER and submit bills to the plan. (chfs.ky.gov)

Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, and Substance Use

Act fast: Kentucky’s 988 line provides 24/7 crisis support with local call centers statewide; contact 988 Kentucky, ask for a warm connection to your region’s mobile crisis team, and request follow‑up; for postpartum‑specific peer support, text or call PSI and ask for a Kentucky coordinator via PSI‑KY chapter. Your MCO must cover behavioral health and substance‑use care—use your plan’s care management program and ask for postpartum therapy. (988.ky.gov)

Know your rights: the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires reasonable accommodations at work for pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions (including lactation and postpartum recovery), enforced by the EEOC; a final rule took effect June 18, 2024, though some abortion‑related parts were limited by courts in 2025; read the EEOC summaries and keep documentation. (eeoc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if you can’t get an appointment within two weeks, call your plan’s Member Services and request “network adequacy assistance,” then escalate with the Access to Care form; if you’re in danger of self‑harm, call 988, and if safety at home is an issue, connect with Kentucky’s coalition against domestic violence (now ZeroV) through ZeroV’s site or the National Hotline. (chfs.ky.gov)

Food, Nutrition, and WIC

Apply today: submit a WIC application at your local health department (find contacts on USDA FNS – Kentucky), ask about same‑day certification, and request breastfeeding support; Kentucky SNAP applications run through CHFS SNAP, with interviews by phone at 1-855-306-8959 and language help via TTY 1-800-627-4720; use Feeding Kentucky’s map to find local food banks while your case processes. (fns.usda.gov)

Dollar amounts: USDA finalized higher WIC fruit‑and‑vegetable vouchers in 2024, with typical monthly ranges for postpartum and breastfeeding participants; amounts can shift with federal budgets, so confirm your monthly Cash Value Benefit at your certification visit and watch clinic notices; see national reporting on the 2024 update and ask your clinic to explain any 2025 changes. (apnews.com)

Expedited SNAP: if you have very little income or cash on hand, ask for “expedited service” during your interview; SNAP must process most applications within 30 days and expedited cases within 7 days; start at CHFS SNAP and use the Local Office Directory to visit if phone lines are busy; elderly/disabled households may be screened for ESAP. (chfs.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call 1-855-306-8959 for a case status; if your EBT isn’t loading and you were approved, report the issue through CHFS SNAP; while waiting, use Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland find‑help and God’s Pantry’s distribution search on godspantry.org. (feedingamericaky.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Kentucky Today

Move now: contact your local Community Action office to apply for LIHEAP Crisis; application windows in 2025 ran Jan 7–Mar 15 (extended in some places to Mar 31), with Spring and Summer Cooling rounds later—eligibility is up to 150% FPL; ask for the Crisis component if you have a disconnect notice or low fuel; find your county office at CAPKY network or call 1-800-456-3452. (nkytribune.com)

Know the rules: PSC regulation 807 KAR 5:006 requires at least 10 days’ written notice before disconnection for nonpayment; utilities have timing limits on when they can shut off power; bring a medical statement if a shutoff threatens health and ask your utility for a medical hold while you secure LIHEAP; see 807 KAR 5:006 and ask your utility’s customer service to explain options. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

What you can get: for FY2025, Kentucky’s LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists heating benefits (min 134,max134, max 250), cooling (min 15,max15, max 250), and a $400 Summer Crisis cap for electric/gas emergencies; amounts vary by county and fuel type; verify current benefit levels when you apply. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask for a utility payment plan and fees waiver, then reapply for LIHEAP if you hit another crisis; seek local utility funds (e.g., LG&E/KU WinterCare, Duke Energy WinterCare) via your Community Action office; if you can’t resolve it, file a complaint with the PSC from the PSC Disconnection/Utility Forms page. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Child Care You Can Afford While You Heal and Work

Apply for CCAP first: Kentucky’s Child Care Assistance Program uses income up to 85% of State Median Income (SMI) at application/recertification; read the current rule (922 KAR 2:160) and apply via kynect benefits; if you’re employed, in KTAP’s Kentucky Works, or in school/training, ask the worker to note your activity; keep provider receipts. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Employer match option: if CCAP waitlists appear or you sit just above CCAP limits, ask your employer to enroll in Kentucky’s Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP)—the state matches employer contributions to reduce your out‑of‑pocket; show HR the ECCAP page, including KICCS application steps. (chfs.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if a provider is full, search Kentucky All STARS providers and ask for temporary part‑time slots; if you’re in an open child‑protection prevention plan, ask your worker about preventive child care with waived copays (practice guidance updated Oct 2024) and then shift to CCAP when stable; request help from Neighborhood Place (Louisville) or your Community Action office. See Preventive Child Care SOP and Neighborhood Place. (manuals-sp-chfs.ky.gov)

Cash and Work Supports (KTAP)

Apply if income is very low: KTAP (Kentucky TANF) provides monthly cash plus supports for job search; apply via kynect benefits, or call 1-855-306-8959; Kentucky posts current KTAP maximums by family size (see table below) and adds work supports like relocation, bonuses, and child care; details are on CHFS KTAP. (chfs.ky.gov)

KTAP Maximum Payment (current CHFS table)

Children in the home Max KTAP payment
1 $372
2 $450
3 $524
4 $656
5 $766
6 $864
7+ $964

Source: CHFS KY FACES KTAP page, accessed September 2025. Amounts can change—ask DCBS to confirm. (prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if KTAP is denied, ask for a conference and written reason, then apply for SNAP and Medicaid; check if your case fits a “child‑only” KTAP grant, and ask about Kentucky Works supports like transportation and child care listed on CHFS KTAP. (chfs.ky.gov)

Transportation to Appointments (Medicaid NEMT)

Book rides 72 hours ahead: Medicaid pays for non‑emergency medical rides through regional brokers; schedule rides using KYTC How to Schedule NEMT, or call 1-888-941-7433; hours and urgent care rules are on that page; confirm your pickup window and bring your Medicaid ID. (transportation.ky.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if a broker denies a ride or misses pickups, call the Office of Transportation Delivery complaint line at 1-888-941-7433 and tell your MCO care manager; for long‑distance care, ask about the Travel Reimbursement Program (lodging/meals for trips >90 miles) under CHFS Transportation. (chfs.ky.gov)

Lactation, Pumping, and Breastfeeding Rights

At work: under the PUMP Act and FLSA, most employees get reasonable break time and a private, non‑bathroom space to pump for one year after birth—read DOL Fact Sheet #73 and Fact Sheet #73A (space requirements); ask HR to provide a locking room with a chair, outlet, and no cameras; for accommodations beyond one year, use EEOC PWFA guidance. (dol.gov)

In public: Kentucky law (KRS 211.755) allows you to breastfeed or express milk anywhere you’re allowed to be and bans interference; show the statute if you’re challenged and ask for a supervisor; see a public copy at FindLaw or Justia. (codes.findlaw.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: file a workplace complaint with the DOL Wage & Hour office, or a discrimination charge about pregnancy/lactation with the EEOC PWFA page; if harassed in public spaces, document and contact local law enforcement referencing KRS 211.755. (dol.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, and Support

Start close to home: in Louisville, Neighborhood Place co‑locates DCBS and partner services; use Neighborhood Place to find sites, call Metro 311, and apply for SNAP/Medicaid via DCBS; in Lexington, The Nest helps families with basic needs and counseling—see The Nest (Lexington) and combine support with KCHIP for kids’ care. (louisvilleky.gov)

Domestic violence help: Kentucky’s coalition rebranded as ZeroV (formerly KCADV) and coordinates 15 regional shelters; learn the history and programs at ZeroV, and find statewide resources via OVW coalitions list or The Hotline state list; the Governor’s Justice Cabinet also posts VAWA info and survivor links. (zerov.org)

Food now: map distributions through Feeding Kentucky, search central/eastern KY via Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland, and check God’s Pantry updates at godspantry.org news; combine these with SNAP and WIC signups. (feedingky.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call 211 to locate churches and pantries, ask hospital social workers about diapers and cribs, and request a referral to the HANDS home‑visiting program via your health department or CHFS HANDS. (chfs.ky.gov)

Resources by Region

Louisville/Jefferson County: use Neighborhood Place for one‑stop access; apply for SNAP/Medicaid at CHFS SNAP or call 1-855-306-8959; for food, check Dare to Care Food Bank via the Feeding Kentucky members list; mental health services route through 988 Kentucky. (louisvilleky.gov)

Lexington/Fayette County: get family support at The Nest, food via God’s Pantry, and LIHEAP appointments through Community Action Council (see LIHEAP pages); apply or renew benefits at kynect benefits. (godspantry.org)

Northern Kentucky (Boone/Kenton/Campbell): apply at kynect benefits, find food via Feeding Kentucky map, and check Duke Energy’s WinterCare assistance through state LIHEAP links on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse – Kentucky. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Eastern Kentucky (e.g., Pike, Floyd, Perry): book LIHEAP Crisis during winter and spring rounds using CAPKY network; Pathways and Mountain Comprehensive Care are reachable via 988 Kentucky; apply for KCHIP and WIC via kidshealth.ky.gov and USDA FNS state page. (988.ky.gov)

Western Kentucky (e.g., Daviess, Warren, McCracken): map food distributions via Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland; schedule LIHEAP with your county Community Action office (see network finder); apply for Medicaid and CCAP using kynect benefits. (feedingamericaky.org)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Pointers

LGBTQ+ single mothers: ask your MCO for affirming mental‑health providers using the Medicaid Provider Directory, request workplace lactation and postpartum accommodations under the EEOC PWFA guide, and use 988 Kentucky for culturally competent crisis lines. (chfs.ky.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: ask to be screened for SNAP ESAP (simplified rules) via CHFS ESAP; request NEMT escorts through KYTC NEMT; ask providers for accessible exam rooms and large‑print forms; if you need ADA accommodations at work, combine ADA with PWFA requests. (transportation.ky.gov)

Veteran single mothers: apply for Medicaid and KCHIP at kynect benefits, ask your VA Women’s Health clinic to coordinate with your MCO using the Provider Directory, and for crisis support use 988 and ask for Veteran resources. (chfs.ky.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: Kentucky allows many lawfully present pregnant people and kids to enroll without a five‑year bar—see KHBE immigrant coverage; ask a hospital or clinic for presumptive eligibility via CHFS PE; use interpreter services when calling DCBS Family Support. (khbe.ky.gov)

Tribal‑affiliated families living in Kentucky: apply for state benefits at kynect benefits, request out‑of‑state IHS coordination through your MCO using the Provider Directory, and ask for travel reimbursement per CHFS Transportation. (chfs.ky.gov)

Rural single moms with limited access: schedule telehealth through your MCO (see 2025 VAB comparison), use NEMT for distance appointments via KYTC NEMT, and use HANDS home‑visiting from your health department via CHFS HANDS. (chfs.ky.gov)

Single fathers: you can use the same benefits—apply for KCHIP and Medicaid at kynect benefits, ask WIC about eligibility for infants/children and non‑birthing parents through USDA FNS Kentucky contacts, and seek parenting support through HANDS via CHFS HANDS. (fns.usda.gov)

Language access: DCBS offers interpretation—TTY 1-800-627-4720—when you call CHFS SNAP/Medicaid; most hospitals and health departments provide interpreters; ask for translated forms through KHBE/kynect. (chfs.ky.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need Where to go How to contact
Apply for Medicaid/KCHIP/SNAP/CCAP kynect benefits 1-855-306-8959 (SNAP/Medicaid), online portal
Pick or change Medicaid plan MCO options Plan phone on page; kynect 1-855-459-6328
Find mental‑health help 988 Kentucky 988 (call/text/chat) 24/7
WIC USDA FNS—Kentucky WIC 1-800-462-6122 (state toll‑free)
LIHEAP (utility help) CAPKY network finder 1-800-456-3452
Transportation (Medicaid) KYTC NEMT 1-888-941-7433
Birth certificates Vital Statistics Office 1-800-241-8322 (VitalChek)

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

  • Proof of identity: Driver’s license or other photo ID; if you need a birth certificate, order through Vital Statistics. (chfs.ky.gov)
  • Proof of pregnancy or birth: hospital or clinic letter; ask clinic to submit Notification of Pregnancy through CHFS form. (chfs.ky.gov)
  • Proof of income: last 30 days’ pay stubs or employer letter; self‑employed: last tax return; upload in kynect benefits.
  • Child info: Social Security numbers (if available) and birth records for KCHIP at kidshealth.ky.gov. (kidshealth.ky.gov)
  • Bills: rent, utilities, childcare costs (for SNAP/CCAP deductions); for LIHEAP, bring your disconnect notice or low‑balance letter—see LIHEAP Crisis details. (nkytribune.com)
  • Banking: if you’ll get KTAP, set up direct deposit with DCBS; review supports at CHFS KTAP. (chfs.ky.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing interviews or documents: always answer calls from 502/855 numbers and check messages from DCBS Family Support; upload to kynect benefits within deadlines; if you miss an interview, call back same day to reschedule; for WIC clinic changes, use the USDA FNS contact page. (fns.usda.gov)

Assuming your plan covers any provider: use your plan’s finder from the Medicaid Provider Directory hub and confirm by phone; for maternity extras, check the 2025 VAB guide first. (chfs.ky.gov)

Waiting too long to address a shutoff: PSC rules require notice, but don’t wait—apply for LIHEAP immediately via CAPKY network and ask the utility for a medical hold citing 807 KAR 5:006. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

Medicaid/KCHIP: request a state fair hearing in writing; ask your provider to enroll you via Presumptive Eligibility using CHFS PE so you don’t miss care; escalate unresolved access issues with the Access to Care form. (chfs.ky.gov)

SNAP: call 1-855-306-8959 to appeal; ask a supervisor to review for expedited service; check office locations via the Local Office Directory; while pending, use Feeding Kentucky sites. (chfs.ky.gov)

CCAP: if you barely exceed income limits, ask about ECCAP (employer match) through CHFS ECCAP; if you have an open prevention plan, ask your worker about preventive child care (copays waived) per SOP G1.32. (chfs.ky.gov)

Reality Check: Timelines and Delays

Processing times: SNAP must decide in 30 days (7 days if expedited) and Medicaid typically processes faster when you’re pregnant or postpartum; you can get presumptive eligibility same day at qualified sites; LIHEAP Crisis is first‑come during set windows—apply as soon as you get a notice; Community Action may require a new appointment when funds refill. See CHFS SNAP, CHFS PE, and LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (chfs.ky.gov)

Funding limits: food banks and LIHEAP can run out of funds near month’s end—reapply early the next month; save your appointment confirmation and ask to be placed on call‑back lists; check Community Action news pages for extensions (e.g., Winter Crisis extended to Mar 31, 2025). (nkytribune.com)

Tables You’ll Use Often

A. 2025 Kentucky Medicaid Plans (MCO) — Contacts and Extras

Plan Member Services Highlights to ask about
Aetna Better Health of KY See MCO options Rewards; maternity support
Humana Healthy Horizons See MCO options HumanaBeginnings; telehealth
Passport Health Plan by Molina See MCO options Baby gear; doula benefits
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan See MCO options Extra rides; rewards
WellCare of Kentucky See MCO options Period products; doula info

Use the 2025 Value‑Added Benefits comparison to confirm what’s active. (chfs.ky.gov)

B. LIHEAP Windows and Typical 2025 Caps (Confirm locally)

Component Typical dates Eligibility Max benefit
Fall Subsidy (heat) Nov–Dec ≤150% FPL 134–134–250
Winter Crisis (heat) Jan–Mar Crisis status needed Up to $400 (gas/electric)
Spring/Summer Cooling Apr–May/Jul–Sep ≤150% FPL 15–15–250 (one‑time)

Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse (last updated Mar 18, 2025) and Community Action notices; call to confirm current amounts. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

C. Pregnancy and Postpartum — What’s Covered Where

Need Where to use it Link
Same‑day pregnancy coverage (PE) Clinics, hospitals, health depts CHFS PE
Postpartum Medicaid (12 months) Any in‑network provider Medicaid Member Info
Mental health crisis Phone/text/chat 24/7 988 Kentucky

D. Work and Lactation Rights at a Glance

Topic Key rule Where to read
Pumping at work Private space, not a bathroom DOL Fact Sheet #73
Reasonable accommodations PWFA (EEOC) EEOC PWFA
Breastfeeding in public KRS 211.755 FindLaw statute

E. Documents and IDs — Where to Get Them

Document How to get it Notes
KY Birth Certificate Vital Statistics Office Order online via VitalChek
Proof of address Bills/mail Use for REAL ID at KYTC
Child’s coverage KCHIP info Apply at kynect

County‑Specific Variations You’ll Notice

Jefferson County: many services run through Neighborhood Place with DCBS co‑located; for SNAP interviews, lines may be busy—walk‑in helps; supplement food via Dare to Care (member list). (louisvilleky.gov)

Fayette County: Community Action Council opens extra LIHEAP slots during Spring/Summer rounds; book online or by phone from LIHEAP CAC pages; use God’s Pantry for distributions. (commaction.org)

Northern Kentucky: Duke Energy customers can access WinterCare via Community Action; verify through the LIHEAP Clearinghouse; for legal or shelter referrals, start with The Hotline’s Kentucky list. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Eastern Kentucky: crisis lines route through 988 to centers like Pathways and Kentucky River Community Care—start at 988 Kentucky; for LIHEAP dates, check your county Community Action website or use the CAPKY network finder. (988.ky.gov)

Western Kentucky: use Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland for pantry schedules; some rural clinics pair HANDS with WIC—ask your health department via CHFS HANDS. (feedingamericaky.org)

FAQs — Kentucky Postpartum Coverage and Support (2025)

How long does postpartum Medicaid last in Kentucky: it lasts 12 months (365 days) after delivery under 907 KAR 20:100; pregnancy eligibility goes up to 195% FPL; confirm in your case in kynect benefits and keep your address updated with DCBS Family Support. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Can I switch Medicaid plans after delivery: yes; Anthem left Medicaid in 2025, and members were reassigned; you can pick another MCO by calling kynect health coverage and checking MCO options. (chfs.ky.gov)

How fast can I get food help: expedited SNAP must be processed within 7 days if you qualify; apply at CHFS SNAP, and while you wait, use Feeding Kentucky’s map. (chfs.ky.gov)

Where can I get a free breast pump: call your MCO’s maternity program (see MCO options) and ask for DME coverage; combine with workplace rights under DOL Fact Sheet #73. (dol.gov)

I don’t have a car—how do I get to checkups: book NEMT 72 hours ahead through your regional broker via KYTC NEMT or call 1‑888‑941‑7433; if the broker is late, complain and reschedule right away. (transportation.ky.gov)

Do I qualify for child care help while job hunting or in school: yes, if you meet CCAP rules (up to 85% SMI) or are in Kentucky Works; if you’re just over the limit, ask your employer about ECCAP matching through CHFS ECCAP. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

How do I protect my right to breastfeed in public: Kentucky law protects breastfeeding or pumping anywhere you’re allowed to be (KRS 211.755); carry a screenshot of the law from FindLaw and show it if you’re challenged. (codes.findlaw.com)

Who can help with postpartum depression: call 988 Kentucky, contact PSI, and ask your MCO for an in‑network therapist via the Provider Directory. (988.ky.gov)

I got a disconnect notice—what now: apply for LIHEAP Crisis at your Community Action agency (see CAPKY network), ask your utility for a medical hold, and know PSC rule 807 KAR 5:006 requires notice before shutoff. (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Can I get child support started now: apply through Kentucky Child Support at 1‑800‑248‑1163 from KOG contacts page; ask DCBS how to update your Medicaid case when support starts. (kog.chfs.ky.gov)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)

Cobertura después del parto (12 meses): Solicite en kynect benefits. Elija su plan en Opciones de MCO. Para ayuda inmediata, llame a 988 Kentucky. (chfs.ky.gov)

Alimentos: Solicite SNAP en CHFS SNAP (1‑855‑306‑8959). Encuentre despensas en Feeding Kentucky. WIC: contacte a WIC Kentucky (USDA FNS). (chfs.ky.gov)

Servicios de energía (luz y gas): LIHEAP Crisis por medio de su agencia local — busque su condado en CAPKY. Las reglas de desconexión están en 807 KAR 5:006. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Transporte médico: Programe viajes de Medicaid (NEMT) por KYTC NEMT o 1‑888‑941‑7433. (transportation.ky.gov)

Violencia doméstica: Llame a The Hotline 1‑800‑799‑7233 y consulte ZeroV (antes KCADV) en zerov.org. (zerov.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

Information changes: Funding cycles, income thresholds, and plan extras change often. Always confirm with your local office or plan before you spend time or money. Use kynect benefits for applications and CHFS Member Info for Medicaid plan questions. For legal interpretations of employment or breastfeeding rights, consultEEOC](https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act) and DOL, or seek legal advice if needed.

By front‑loading your applications, knowing your rights, and leaning on local networks, you can stabilize postpartum care and your home budget. Save the key links, make the calls, and follow up until you see the approvals arrive.

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