To be eligible for Medicaid in Missouri, you generally must be a resident of the state, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, have income and assets below certain limits, and meet specific category requirements. Income limits vary depending on your household size and circumstances, but generally, you must have a low income to qualify. Asset limits also apply, though some assets, such as your home and car, are not counted. Special rules apply to people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and elderly adults. You can apply for Medicaid online, by mail, or through a local Medicaid office. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a Medicaid card that you can use to pay for covered medical expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Medicaid in Missouri, you must meet certain income and asset limits. If you are applying for Medicaid, the state will consider your income and assets, as well as those of your spouse and any dependent children who will be covered under your Medicaid policy.
Income Limits for Medicaid
The income limit for Medicaid in Missouri is based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). To be eligible, your income must be at or below the following limits:
- For individuals: 138% of the FPL
- For families of two: 185% of the FPL
- For families of three: 233% of the FPL
- For families of four: 281% of the FPL
- For families of five: 329% of the FPL
- For families of six: 377% of the FPL
For each additional family member, the income limit increases by 48% of the FPL.
Asset Limits for Medicaid
The asset limit for Medicaid in Missouri is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families. This limit includes all of your countable assets, such as:
- Cash
- Bank accounts
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Real estate (excluding your primary residence)
- Vehicles
Some assets are not countable, such as:
- Personal belongings
- Household furnishings
- Retirement accounts
- Burial plots
Table of Income and Asset Limits for Medicaid in Missouri
| Household Size | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,754 | $2,000 |
| 2 | $24,606 | $3,000 |
| 3 | $30,458 | $3,000 |
| 4 | $36,310 | $3,000 |
| 5 | $42,162 | $3,000 |
| 6 | $48,014 | $3,000 |
Eligibility for Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities may qualify for Medicaid in Missouri if they meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria may include:
- Age: Individuals must be under age 18, or 21 if still in school, or age 65 or older.
- Income and Assets: Individuals must have limited income and assets. The income limit for 2023 is $2,523 per month for individuals and $5,046 per month for couples. The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
- Disability: Individuals must have a disability that prevents them from working. The disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Individuals who meet these criteria may apply for Medicaid through the Missouri Department of Social Services.
| Age | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18, or 21 if still in school | $2,523 per month for individuals | $2,000 for individuals |
| Age 65 or older | $2,523 per month for individuals | $2,000 for individuals |
| Couples | $5,046 per month for couples | $3,000 for couples |
Pregnant Women and Children
Pregnant women and children are eligible for Medicaid in Missouri if they meet the following income and asset requirements:
- Income: Pregnant women and children can qualify for Medicaid if their family income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For a family of three, this means an annual income of $38,625 or less.
- Assets: Pregnant women and children can have up to $2,000 in countable assets (such as cash, savings, and stocks) and still qualify for Medicaid. However, if they have more than $2,000 in countable assets, they may still be eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain other requirements.
In addition to the income and asset requirements, pregnant women and children must also be residents of Missouri and U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants. They must also cooperate with the Medicaid program, which includes providing accurate information about their income and assets and attending required medical appointments.
If you are a pregnant woman or the parent of a child who is eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for coverage through the Missouri Department of Social Services. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a local office. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, residency, and citizenship or qualified immigrant status.
If you are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card that you can use to pay for medical care. Medicaid covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and dental and vision care.
| Income | Assets |
|---|---|
| 138% of FPL for a family of three: $38,625 | $2,000 in countable assets |
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Missouri?
Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) may qualify for Medicaid. These are usually individuals with low income and few assets.
Long-Term Care Services
Missouri Medicaid provides long-term care services to eligible individuals through a variety of programs, including nursing home care, home and community-based services (HCBS), and the Missouri Supports for Community Living (MSCL) program.
- Nursing Home Care: Medicaid covers the cost of skilled nursing care in a nursing home for individuals who need 24-hour care.
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Medicaid provides HCBS to individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in order to remain living in their homes or communities.
- Missouri Supports for Community Living (MSCL): The MSCL program provides a range of services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them live independently in the community.
- Income limits
- Asset limits
- Citizenship or legal resident status
- Age or disability status
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
Income and asset limits vary depending on the type of Medicaid coverage being sought and the individual’s household size.
| Household Size | Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,875/month | $2,500 |
| 2 | $2,523/month | $3,750 |
| 3 | $3,171/month | $5,000 |
| 4 | $3,819/month | $6,250 |
Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for Medicaid through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS).
Thank y’all for taking the time to read my article about qualifying for Medicaid in Missouri. I hope it’s been helpful and answered most of your questions. If you still have some queries, feel free to reach out to the Missouri Department of Social Services. They’re always happy to help. Remember, Medicaid is a vital program that can provide you with affordable health insurance, so don’t hesitate to apply if you think you might be eligible. Thanks again for reading, and I hope you’ll visit again soon for more informative articles like this one.