About the Katie Beckett Program

Katie Beckett is a Medicaid program for children living at home with long-term disabilities or complex medical needs, who may be eligible for Medicaid services even if their family income is above Medicaid federal poverty guidelines.

Eligibility for Katie Beckett

To determine eligibility,  please apply for both Medicaid and the Katie Beckett program at the same time. 

If your child is approved for the Katie Beckett program, a premium will be assessed based on your family’s income. If you are unable to pay the premium, your child’s eligibility will not be impacted.

To qualify for the Katie Beckett program your child must meet eligibility criteria for a complex medical need, a developmental disability, a physical disability, or a combination of those needs as listed below.

Developmental disability criteria overview: 

  • Have one of the following chronic conditions
    • Autism
    • Intellectual disability
    • Seizure disorder
    • Cerebral palsy
  • Substantial limited ability to function in at least three (3) of the following major life activities;
    • Self care
    • Receptive and expressive language
    • Learning
    • Mobility
    • Self direction
    • Capacity of independent living or
    • Economic self sufficiency
  • Require services which are of lifelong or for an extended duration

Complex medical need or physical disability criteria overview:

  • Have a chronic condition 
  • Child has a disability which meets SSI criteria according to disability evaluation under Social Security
  • Child requires level of care provided in a medical institution
  • Child's physician has completed an evaluation identifying services necessary to maintain child at home
  • It is safe and appropriate to provide care to the child in the home
    Two teen girls with little downs syndrome girl
    What's covered?

    Medicaid covers a number of healthcare services you may be eligible for, such as:

    • Behavioral health
    • Chiropractic
    • Counseling
    • Dental
    • Doctors and other healthcare providers
    • Durable medical equipment and supplies
    • Early intervention
    • Early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT)
    • Hearing
    • Home and community-based treatment and rehabilitation
    • Home health
    • Hospital
    • Immunizations
    • Interpretation
    • Lead screening
    • Nutrition
    • Personal care services
    • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
    • Podiatry
    • Prescription drugs
    • School-based
    • Service coordination
    • Substance use disorder
    • Transportation
    • Vision
    • Wellness exams for children
    Keep in mind there are some limits to these services, and some might require you or your healthcare provider to get prior authorization from Medicaid before receiving services.
    Page last updated: