---
title: "KanCare for Seniors: What It Covers and How to Apply"
description: "KanCare for older adults: nursing home coverage, the Frail Elderly waiver for care at home and in assisted living, who qualifies, and how to apply."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/locations/kansas/kancare-senior-care/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

Kansas

# KanCare for older adults: what it covers and how to apply

KanCare is Kansas Medicaid. For older adults it can pay for nursing home care and, through the Frail Elderly waiver, for care at home or some services in assisted living.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

KanCare is Kansas's Medicaid program. For older adults who qualify medically and financially, it can pay for long-term nursing home care, and the Frail Elderly (FE) waiver can pay for services at home or in assisted living, such as personal care, adult day care, medication reminders and emergency response. The FE waiver is for people 65 and older who meet the nursing facility threshold and Medicaid financial rules. Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-200-2372.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ What the Frail Elderly waiver can include](#g-what-the-frail-elderly-waiver-can-includ)
2. [Assisted living and KanCare](#g-assisted-living-and-kancare)
3. [Who qualifies for the FE waiver](#g-who-qualifies-for-the-fe-waiver)
4. [How to apply](#g-how-to-apply)
5. [In Johnson County](#g-in-johnson-county)
6. [Questions](#g-faq)

## What the Frail Elderly waiver can include

- Personal care and attendant care, which can be self-directed.
- Adult day care.
- Medication reminders and wellness monitoring.
- Personal emergency response.
- Home and environmental modifications, specialized equipment and supplies.
- Home telehealth, nursing evaluation visits and oral health services.

## Assisted living and KanCare

KDADS says the FE waiver pays for some, but not all, services delivered in assisted living and similar settings, under the plan of care. Residents pay their own room and food costs. Ask each community whether it accepts KanCare. See [Medicaid and assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/medicaid-assisted-living/).

## Who qualifies for the FE waiver

1. Age 65 or older.
2. Meets the Medicaid nursing facility threshold score on a functional assessment.
3. Financially eligible for Medicaid, as decided by the KanCare Clearinghouse.

## How to apply

1. Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-200-2372 for options counseling.
2. The ADRC refers your parent for a functional eligibility assessment.
3. Apply for Medicaid financial eligibility through the KanCare Clearinghouse.
4. Once approved, a managed care organization care coordinator helps set up services.

Administrative case managers can help with Medicaid applications and paperwork.

## In Johnson County

Johnson County Aging and Human Services can help Johnson County families understand options and connect with the ADRC.

### Need care in Kansas?

We'll help you understand options and find care that fits near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### Does KanCare pay for assisted living?

The Frail Elderly waiver can pay for some care services in assisted living, but not room and food.

### What is the age limit for the Frail Elderly waiver?

Applicants must be 65 or older.

### Can a family member be paid through KanCare?

Under the FE waiver, a family member other than a spouse or legal representative can provide paid attendant care.

### Who decides Medicaid financial eligibility in Kansas?

The KanCare Clearinghouse.

## Sources

- [KanCare (Kansas Medicaid)](https://www.kancare.ks.gov/)
- [KDADS: Frail Elderly (FE) waiver](https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/long-term-services-supports/home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-programs/hcbs-programs/frail-elderly-fe)
- [KDADS: Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1-855-200-2372](https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging-and-disability-resource-center)
- [Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)](https://kdads.ks.gov/)
- [Johnson County Aging and Human Services](https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services)

## Related guides

- [Kansas](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/locations/kansas/)
- [Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/medicaid-assisted-living/)
- [Paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/)
- [Overland Park](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/locations/kansas/overland-park/)
- [Nursing homes](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/nursing-home/)

---
Canonical page: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/locations/kansas/kancare-senior-care/