Missouri hasn't accepted Medicaid expansion under the ACA. This leaves nearly 452,000 people without Medicaid coverage who would qualify for coverage under the ACA expansion. However, Medicaid in Missouri has extremely low income eligibility cap set at 18%.

Medicaid, also known as MO HealthNet in Missouri, offers free and lost cost health coverage for low-income individuals living in Missouri who cannot afford private medical and health insurance. This program is funded by federal and state government.

The goal of this program is to prevent illness and promote good health among low-income families. The program also prevents premature death by providing medical assistance to infants and pregnant women. The program also helps elderly and disabled so that they can stay healthy and contribute to the society.

Medicaid provides various medical care services including inpatient hospital care, outpatient hospital services, laboratory facilities, nursing home services, physician services, dental services, drug and medicines, emergency medical transportation services, audiology services, durable medical equipment, optometric services, and hospice services. In addition to these basic medical services, this program also offers family planning and nurse midwife service in the office as well as in the hospitals.

In addition to the services mentioned above, Medicaid, through a sub-program called Healthy Children and Youth, provides various early screening and periodic screening services to children under the age of 20 years. These screening services include various therapies including speech, movement, occupational therapy. Children also receiving complete immunizations under this program if they qualify for the benefits.

For further information about the Missouri Medicaid program, call at 573-751-3222. You can also contact by email by sending an email from this page https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive Medicaid benefits in Missouri, you need to qualify for the program. The program has a long list of eligibility guidelines so the only way of finding out your eligibility is by applying for the program.

An overview of these guidelines is given below for your convenience. However, Medicaid eligibility is subject to change at any time so always contact your local Medicaid office for latest eligibility.

The individuals falling in the following categories will usually qualify for MO HealthNet Medicaid in Missouri.

- Adults who have a dependent child and meet income guidelines.

- Adults who don't have a dependent child but are disabled.

- Infants under the age of 1 year are qualified for Medicaid benefits in Missouri if they meet the income standards set by the state.

- Children under the age of 18 years may qualify for MO HealthNet Medicaid if they meet the household income guidelines. Children who don't meet income guidelines for Medicaid may qualify for CHIP.

- Pregnant women are also eligible for MO HealthNet benefits if they meet income guidelines.

Income guidelines for Medicaid in Missouri

Here are the latest income guidelines for Medicaid in Missouri.

Number of household membersMaximum income per year according to FPL

1 $15,800

2 $21,307

3 $26,813

4 $32,319

5 $37,825

6 $43,331

7 $48,851

8 $54,384

If your household consists of more than eight members, add $5,533 for each additional person to compute your household income limit according to FPL.

Medicaid Application Instructions

To receive MO HealthNet Medicaid benefits in Missouri, you need to apply for the benefits. Follow instructions below to start your application today.

Apply online

There are two ways to file an online application for MO HealthNet Medicaid benefits in Missouri.

1- Visit HealthCare website and file an online application by following instructions found the website. This is by far the easiest method to start your application.

2- You can also apply for benefits using the MO HealthNet. The enrollment through this platform is easy as it only takes a few minutes to get started.

Apply via phone

If you are living in Missouri and need to apply for Medicaid benefits, you can enroll using phone. Just dial 1-800-318-2596 and follow instructions to start your application via phone.

Apply by mail

You can also apply for MO HealthNet Medicaid benefits in Missouri by mail. You can download a printable application from this link.

Print the application and complete it by providing the required information. Once completed, send it to your local Human Services office.

For further inquiries about the program, visit health care section at DSS Missouri website.