Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Missouri

In Missouri, Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, and seniors. To qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals and families must meet certain income and asset limits. Income limits vary depending on the type of Medicaid coverage and the number of people in the household. Asset limits are also in place, and they include things like bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Additionally, individuals must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, and they must live in Missouri. If you’re not sure if you qualify for Medicaid, you can apply online or contact your local Department of Social Services office for more information.

Low-Income Individuals and Families

To qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals and families must meet certain income and asset limits, and meet one or more specific eligibility categories determined by the state’s Medicaid program. Missouri utilizes the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to determine income eligibility. The income limits vary depending on the size of the household and are adjusted annually. Additionally, individuals must not have assets in excess of the limits set by Medicaid guidelines.

Generally, to qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals must meet the following income requirements:

  • Individuals: Income must be at or below 138% of the FPL.
  • Parents and Caretaker Relatives: Income must be at or below 185% of the FPL.
  • Children: Income must be at or below 206% of the FPL.
  • Pregnant Women: Income must be at or below 275% of the FPL.

Apart from meeting income requirements, individuals must fall into the following categories:

  • Children under 19 years of age
  • Parents or caretaker relatives of children under 19 years of age or children who are blind, disabled, or have special health care needs
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for specified medical programs, such as the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program or the Family Planning Program

In addition to the above, certain working families may qualify for Medicaid coverage through Missouri’s MO HealthNet for Workers with Disabilities Program. This program provides coverage to individuals who have a disability or chronic condition that affects their ability to work. The income limits for this program are higher than the general Medicaid income limits, but families must meet specific work requirements.

It’s important to note that the Missouri Medicaid program offers various coverage plans and services tailored to different populations and needs. These plans may have specific eligibility requirements that differ from the general Medicaid guidelines. Therefore, individuals and families should contact the Missouri Medicaid office or visit their website to determine their eligibility and the appropriate coverage options available to them.

Individuals can apply for Medicaid in Missouri through the state’s MO HealthNet program. The application process can be done online, by mail, or in person at a local MO HealthNet office. Individuals will need to provide proof of their income, assets, and other relevant information. The application process can take several weeks, and individuals may be required to attend an interview to verify their information.

CategoryIncome Limit (% of FPL)
Individuals138%
Parents and Caretaker Relatives185%
Children206%
Pregnant Women275%

Medicaid Eligibility Categories in Missouri

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that helps low-income individuals and families pay for their medical expenses. To qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements based on their age, income, and other factors. This article provides an overview of the different Medicaid categories and who qualifies for them.

Income Limits for Medicaid Eligibility

One of the primary eligibility criteria for Medicaid is income. Applicants must meet specific income limits to qualify for coverage. The income limits vary depending on the Medicaid category and the size of the household. In general, individuals and families with incomes below certain thresholds are eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid Income Limits in Missouri
CategoryIncome Limit (Annual)
Adults$19,320
Children$26,130
Pregnant Women$26,130
Families with ChildrenVaries based on household size

It’s important to note that these income limits are subject to change, so it’s best to check with the Missouri Department of Social Services for the most up-to-date information.

Age and Disability Requirements for Medicaid Eligibility

In addition to income requirements, Medicaid eligibility is also based on age and disability. Certain categories of individuals are eligible for Medicaid regardless of their income. These categories include:

  • Children under the age of 19
  • Pregnant women
  • Adults with disabilities who meet certain criteria
  • Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

To determine eligibility for Medicaid based on disability, the Missouri Department of Social Services will evaluate the applicant’s functional limitations and their impact on their ability to work and perform daily activities.

Other Factors Affecting Medicaid Eligibility

In addition to income, age, and disability, there are other factors that may affect Medicaid eligibility. These factors include:

  • Citizenship or immigration status
  • Residency in Missouri
  • Assets and resources

Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may still be eligible for Medicaid under certain circumstances. Additionally, applicants must reside in Missouri to be eligible for Medicaid benefits. Finally, the Missouri Department of Social Services will consider an applicant’s assets and resources when determining eligibility.

To apply for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals can contact the Missouri Department of Social Services or visit their local county office. The application process typically involves providing information about income, assets, and other relevant factors.

Missouri-Specific Requirements

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to specific low-income individuals and families. Each state has its requirements and eligibility criteria for Medicaid, and Missouri has its specific requirements.

Financial Eligibility

  • Income: To qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, your income must be at or below certain limits. These limits vary depending on your family size and whether you are applying for regular Medicaid or a special program called MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD).
  • Assets: You must also meet specific asset limits to qualify for Medicaid in Missouri. These limits vary depending on your family size and whether you are applying for regular Medicaid or MHABD.

Other Eligibility Requirements

  • Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen to qualify for Medicaid in Missouri.
  • Residency: You must be a resident of Missouri to qualify for Medicaid in Missouri.
  • Age: You must be under 19, pregnant, or over 65 to qualify for regular Medicaid in Missouri. You must be over 65 or disabled to qualify for MHABD.

Table of Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in Missouri

Regular MedicaidMO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD)
IncomeAt or below 138% of the federal poverty levelAt or below 100% of the federal poverty level
Assets$2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple$2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple
CitizenshipU.S. citizen or qualified non-citizenU.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
ResidencyMissouri residentMissouri resident
AgeUnder 19, pregnant, or over 65Over 65 or disabled

Eligibility Requirements for Medicaid in Missouri

Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Missouri, Medicaid is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). To be eligible for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals and families must meet certain income and asset limits. Below are the general eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Missouri.

Income Limits

  • For individuals, the income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single person, this means an annual income of $18,754 or less.
  • For families, the income limit is 200% of the FPL. For a family of four, this means an annual income of $55,500 or less.

Asset Limits

  • For individuals, the asset limit is $2,000. This includes all assets, such as cash, bank accounts, and vehicles.
  • For couples, the asset limit is $3,000.
  • For families with children, the asset limit is $4,000.

Other Eligibility Requirements

  • Individuals must be a citizen or qualified non-citizen of the United States.
  • Individuals must be a resident of Missouri.
  • Individuals must not be eligible for Medicare.

Applying for Medicaid in Missouri

To apply for Medicaid in Missouri, individuals and families can apply online or by mail. The online application is available on the DSS website. To apply by mail, individuals and families can download an application form from the DSS website or request one by calling the DSS toll-free number. Applications can be mailed to the DSS office in Jefferson City, Missouri.

When applying for Medicaid, individuals and families will need to provide documentation to verify their income, assets, and other eligibility factors. The DSS will review the application and determine if the individual or family is eligible for coverage. If approved, the individual or family will receive a Medicaid card in the mail.

Income and Asset Limits for Medicaid Eligibility in Missouri
GroupIncome Limit (% of FPL)Asset Limit
Individuals138%$2,000
Couples200%$3,000
Families with Children200%$4,000

Thanks, folks, for sticking with me through this Medicaid in Missouri deep dive. I know it can be a snooze-fest at times, but hey, gotta stay in the know about those healthcare options, right?

Before I let you go, I want to assure you that I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for any updates or changes to the Medicaid program in Missouri. The healthcare landscape is always shifting, so it’s good to keep one ear to the ground. If anything major comes up, I’ll be sure to give you the scoop right here.

In the meantime, feel free to swing by again whenever you’re curious about other healthcare-related topics. My virtual door is always open, and I’m more than happy to take a deep dive into anything that’s on your mind. So, until next time, stay healthy and keep those questions coming. Cheers!