Kentucky Resources

To find out about key benefits and services in Kentucky and how to apply, select from the topics below.

Key Refugee Service Contacts in Kentucky

  • State Refugee Coordinator

Becky Jordan | Send an email

  • State Refugee Health Coordinator

Katie McWhorter Wernert | Send an email

  • Community Engagement Manager (Welcome Corps Manager)

Lauren Goldener | Send an email

Kentucky Resettlement Agencies

Address: 969-B Cherokee Road Louisville, KY 40204

Phone: 502-479-9180

Address: 435 E Broadway Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502-636-9263

Address: 1951 Bishop Lane Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40218

Phone: 502-443-8133

Address: 501 W 6th St. Suite 250 Lexington, KY 40508

Phone: 859-226-5661

Address: 806 Kenton St. Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 270-781-8336

Address: 109 W 9th St. Owensboro, KY 42303

Phone: 270-683-3423

Address: 632 Russell St. Covington, KY 41011

Phone: 859-547-5571

Refugee & Newcomer Health

  • Domestic Medical Screening / Refugee Health Assessment

The KY Office for Refugees (KOR) contracts with local clinics across the state to provide the domestic medical screening. This includes partial coverage for refugee with Medicaid provided that the screening is performed with 90 days of the client’s Date of Arrival in the U.S., the rest of screening is reimbursed through KOR. Therefore, the screening appointments must be “booked” through the local resettlement agency to ensure client is in the state-wide database for reimbursement and data requirements.

It is important to keep all medical and immunization records for visit with Civil Surgeon for Adjustment of Status.

Wait times for the domestic Medical Screening can vary from region to region. Kentucky averages around 60-200 days for individuals to get an appointment. Resettlement Agency staff only have the obligation to call the PSG once with the Medical Screening appointment time and location. Once the appointment is made, the PSG is required to drop off and fill out the Refugee Health Assessment Appointment Request Form to the best of their ability and provide any overseas biodata if available to the screening clinic.

  • RHS-15

Part of the domestic Medical Screening includes the Refugee Health Screener- 15 (RHS-15). This is a tool for early screening and intervention of emotional distress and mental health. This screener has been used to help connect clients with helpful resources in their community and does not harm anyone’s ability to adjust their status.

  • Waiver

Kentucky currently is approved for waiver of 45 CFR 400.107(b) to allow the provision of Medical Screening services beyond the first 90 days to 200 days from the date of ORR benefits edibility without prior determination of eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, or RMA until September 30, 2024. (KY intends to seek another waiver in FY25.)

This means a screening does not have to be completed within 90 days from the date of arrival (at least until 9/30/24).

  • Immunizations & TB Clinic

KOR provides funding to cover the cost of immunizations required for adjustment of status purposes as required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to refugees that received a domestic Medical Screening through a Contracted provider up to year from Date of Arrival. But not all domestic Medical Screening providers choose to have KOR pay for immunizations. Medicaid may cover the cost of immunizations in those cases. The screening may uncover the need for TB treatment. This will have to be completed at the local Department of Health. These treatments can be covered by Medicaid and also need to be started for Adjustment of Status.

Some clinics that provide the domestic Medical Screening do not provide immunizations. It maybe another clinic in your area or a local health department. Medicaid will cover the cost of immunizations though there may be some out-of-pocket costs.

Accessing Health Care

  •  Medicaid

KY Medicaid/KCHIP is a state and federal program. It is authorized by Titled XIX of the Social Security Act. KY Medicaid/KCHIP provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents. It usually takes 20- 30 days to receive the Medicaid card in the mail once the application has been submitted.

Apply online or by phone: 1-855-306-8959

  • Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

An applicant can only apply for RMA if they have been denied Medicaid and have the physical Medicaid Denial letter. You must apply through a local resettlement agency. RMA is an assistance program administered by USCRI and Point Comfort Underwriters (PCU) which is an insurance carrier that will mirror KY Medicaid benefits.

Persons with Disabilities

The Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has some resources here.

Resources for the blind and visually impaired

Seniors

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65.

Phone: 1-800-633-4227

The Social Security program in the United States provides protection against the loss of earnings due to retirement, death, or disability.

Mental Health

  • Domestic Medical Screening & RHS-15 Follow-up

The clinics that provide the Domestic Medical Screening have local provider and referral connections that have history working with refugee populations to help with mental health concerns.

– Lexington, KY: Bluegrass Community Health Centers at Eagle Creek

– Bowling Green, KY: KY STEPS Russellville Rd

– Louisville, KY: FHC Americana Southside Dr

– Owensboro, KY: TrueNorth on 2nd St

– Northern KY: St. Elizabeth on 413 S. Loop Rd

Vision Care

Check with your Medicaid provider for your nearest vision care options.

Cash & Food Assistance

  • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Cash assistance available to residents who enter the U.S. under humanitarian protection with low incomes.

In Kentucky, RCA is handled through local resettlement agencies. To apply for RCA, you must be seen by a resettlement agency to go through orientation. Please bring all documentation to the nearest resettlement agency.

Federal nutrition program

Cash assistance designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency

A program offering supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition to low-income women who are pregnant or families that have children aged birth to five.

A program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people aged 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.

Finding Housing

Assistance with Housing Costs

Helps residents maintain housing stability

Call 211 (24/7) to speak to a Community Resource Specialist

Housing Advocacy

Housing Counseling

HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice.

Phone: 800-569-4287

Renter Rights

Homelessness Prevention & Assistance

Orientation

Resettlement Agencies

Welcome Corps clients will be eligible for extended employment services at their local resettlement agency.

Employment Services & Career Development

Vocational Training Programs

Documentation

Information and resources about obtaining a driver’s license or state ID

Provide Social Security Numbers and administer retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enroll individuals in Medicare

Resettlement Agencies

Welcome Corps clients will be eligible for English Language Learner (ELL) programs at their local resettlement agency’s classes.

Community Colleges

ORR-funded programs are found at the following community colleges:

Community Organizations

ORR-funded programs are found at the following community organizations:

Childcare

Early Childhood Education

– Catholic Charities of Louisville Migration and Refugee Services

– Kentucky Refugee Ministries Louisville

– Refuge Bowling Green

– Owensboro Public Schools

– Warren County Public Schools

– Daviess County Public Schools

K-12 Education

  • School Districts with ORR Funding

– Jefferson County Public Schools

– Daviess County Public Schools

– Jessamine County Public Schools

– Fayette County Public Schools

– Owensboro County Public Schools

– Bowling Green Independent School District

– Warren County Public Schools

– Catholic Charities of Louisville Migration and Refugee Services

– Kentucky Refugee Ministries Louisville

– Refuge Bowling Green

– Kentucky Refugee Ministries Lexington

– Kentucky Refugee Ministries Covington

– International Center – Owensboro

Adult Education

– Jefferson Community Technical College

– Bluegrass Community and Technical College

– Owensboro Community and Technical College

– Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Welcome Corps

Report cases of fraud (for example, individuals asking for money in exchange for becoming a private sponsor or to assist in submitting an application)

Employment

Labor Standards will help you file a wage claim to resolve cases of unpaid wages – contact for free help in filing a wage claim

The Division of Compliance is responsible for the enforcement of Kentucky’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards. Safety compliance officers and industrial hygienists inspect workplaces to assure there are no hazardous conditions that would threaten the health or safety of workers.

The DWC is the agency responsible for administering claims and ensuring compliance with the workers’ compensation provisions contained in KRS Chapter 342.

Public Safety

This section provides information on crime victim compensation, getting protection and how to deal with identity theft.

Government office offering resources for legal rights and public protection in Kentucky

Violence, Human Trafficking & Exploitation

Fact sheet on KY human trafficking

Providing direct assistance and case management to survivors of human trafficking, this program also aims to educate the community about human trafficking, as well as how to identify individuals who are being forced or coerced for the purpose of sexual exploitation or labor.

Adult & Child Abuse

Mental Health

Transition to Resettlement Network (after 90 days)

Address: 969-B Cherokee Road Louisville, KY 40204

Phone: 502-479-9180

Address: 435 E Broadway Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502-636-9263

Address: 1951 Bishop Lane Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40218

Phone: 502-443-8133

Address: 501 W 6th St. Suite 250 Lexington, KY 40508

Phone: 859-226-5661

Address: 806 Kenton St. Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 270-781-8336

Address: 109 W 9th St. Owensboro, KY 42303

Phone: 270-683-3423

Address: 632 Russell St. Covington, KY 41011

Phone: 859-547-5571

Back to Top