When you or a loved one needs help paying for health care or accessing support at home, figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming. For many Missouri families, that starting point is MO HealthNet.
MO HealthNet is Missouri’s Medicaid program. It provides health coverage to eligible Missourians, including older adults, people with disabilities, children, families, and other qualifying individuals.
If you are considering home care for yourself or someone you love, understanding how to apply for Medicaid in Missouri can also be an important first step toward accessing certain Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Here is what you need to know.
Who Can Qualify for Medicaid in Missouri?
There is no single set of MO HealthNet eligibility requirements that applies to everyone. Eligibility depends on factors such as your age, income, health, household circumstances, and individual needs.
According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, people who may qualify include:
- Adults age 65 and older
- People with disabilities
- Blind or visually impaired adults
- Adults ages 19 to 64 who meet eligibility requirements
- Parents and caretakers of children
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Certain women receiving treatment for breast or cervical cancer
Each eligibility category has its own requirements. Some programs consider both income and resources, while others primarily use household income and other qualifying factors.
Because these requirements can change, it is always best to check the latest MO HealthNet eligibility requirements directly through the Missouri Department of Social Services rather than relying on an outdated income figure.
How Do You Apply for MO HealthNet?
Missouri offers several ways to apply for Medicaid.
You can apply for MO HealthNet online, call the Family Support Division at 855-373-9994, download and submit an application, or visit a local Family Support Division Resource Center.
Some applicants must also submit a supplemental form. This includes people who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled, receive Social Security, live in a medical or nursing facility, or have Medicare or VA health care.
Taking time to complete the application accurately and provide requested information can help the state evaluate your eligibility.
What Information Might You Need?
The exact information requested will depend on your circumstances and the MO HealthNet program for which you may qualify.
Before beginning your application, it can help to gather information about your household, income, and current health coverage. Applicants in certain eligibility groups may also need to provide information about resources, disability, or other benefits.
If the Family Support Division needs additional documentation to make its decision, it will contact you.
Applying does not guarantee coverage. The State of Missouri makes the final determination about whether an applicant meets MO HealthNet eligibility requirements.
What Happens After You Apply for Medicaid?
Once your application has been submitted, the Family Support Division reviews your information and determines whether you qualify.
Processing times can vary. Missouri notes that applications requiring a disability determination may take longer. If you have questions about the status of an application, you can contact the Family Support Division Information Line at 855-373-4636.
If approved, you will receive information explaining your MO HealthNet coverage and available medical services.
For families exploring in-home care, approval for MO HealthNet may open the door to another important conversation: whether you or your loved one may qualify for Medicaid-funded Home and Community-Based Services.
Does Medicaid Pay for Home Care in Missouri?
For eligible participants, MO HealthNet can fund certain Home and Community-Based Services that help older adults and people with disabilities continue living in their homes or communities.
Depending on a person’s eligibility and assessed needs, HCBS may include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, meal preparation, household tasks, respite care, and other approved services.
Having MO HealthNet alone does not automatically qualify someone for these services. Missouri DHSS has a separate HCBS referral, assessment, and authorization process to determine whether an individual meets program requirements and what services may be appropriate.
Finding the Right Path Forward
Understanding Medicaid can take time, especially when your family is already navigating changing care needs. Remember, you do not have to figure out every part of the process at once.
Start by determining whether you or your loved one may qualify for MO HealthNet. Once Medicaid coverage is active, the next step may be exploring available home care programs and determining whether HCBS is right for your situation.
At Kingdom Care, we believe families deserve compassionate, reliable support and clear information as they consider their home care options. Our team serves families throughout St. Louis County and surrounding communities with Medicaid-covered home care, Consumer Directed Services, and private pay care options.
Have questions about your home care options? Contact Kingdom Care to learn more about the services available to your family.
Kingdom Care does not determine MO HealthNet or HCBS eligibility. Eligibility and authorization are determined by the appropriate Missouri state agencies. Program requirements and benefits are subject to change. Visit the Missouri Department of Social Services and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for current information.
