The 1915(i) RISE Initiative—short for Recovery, Independence, Support, and Engagement—is a new Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) benefit launching in Kentucky as of July 1, 2025. It is designed to expand access to community-based supports for adults with a primary diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness (SMI), with or without a co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) .khbe.ky.gov+5chfs.ky.gov+5chfs.ky.gov+5apps.legislature.ky.gov+4khbe.ky.gov+4chfs.ky.gov+4
🔍 What Is the 1915(i) RISE Initiative?
RISE is a state plan amendment under Medicaid that allows Kentucky to offer a range of HCBS without requiring individuals to meet institutional level of care criteria. It focuses on helping individuals with SMI or co-occurring SUD live independently and avoid institutionalization. The program includes ten core services:apps.legislature.ky.gov+4chfs.ky.gov+4khbe.ky.gov+4khbe.ky.gov+1chfs.ky.gov+1
- Supervised Residential Care
- In-Home Independent Living Supports
- Housing & Tenancy Supports
- Supported Employment
- Supported Education
- Transportation
- Medication Management
- Planned Respite for Caregivers
- Assistive Technology
- Case Managementchfs.ky.gov+8chfs.ky.gov+8khbe.ky.gov+8apps.legislature.ky.gov+9khbe.ky.gov+9chfs.ky.gov+9khbe.ky.gov+2chfs.ky.gov+2chfs.ky.gov+2
These services are delivered statewide, with no enrollment caps, and are reimbursed directly through Medicaid—no managed care contracting is required .chfs.ky.gov+1khbe.ky.gov+1
🧑⚕️ Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, individuals must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid
- Have a primary diagnosis of SMI or co-occurring SMI and SUD
- Demonstrate functional impairment in at least two areas (e.g., societal, interpersonal, daily living, physical, or cognitive functioning) as assessed by the InterRAI Community Mental Health toolapps.legislature.ky.gov+1apps.legislature.ky.gov+1apps.legislature.ky.gov+7chfs.ky.gov+7khbe.ky.gov+7apps.legislature.ky.gov+6apps.legislature.ky.gov+6apps.legislature.ky.gov+6
Importantly, individuals currently receiving services under a 1915(c) waiver (like the Michelle P. Waiver) are not eligible for 1915(i) RISE services .dbhdid.ky.gov
Want to Learn More?
Visit the official state site to explore the RISE Initiative:
🔗 RISE Program Overview – Kentucky DBHDID
📩 Have questions? Contact: 1915iRISEprovider@ky.gov