Missouri Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Missouri.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Missouri Department of Social Services - MO HealthNet Division
Processing Time
30-45 days for standard Medicaid; 60-120 days for waiver programs due to waiting lists and level-of-care assessments
Missouri Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Missouri, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Missouri follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$1,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$2,000
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Missouri Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $6,844/month average (semi-private), $7,511/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Missouri).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Missouri
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Missouri once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $6,844/month average (semi-private), $7,511/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
No Dedicated Assisted Living Waiver: Missouri does not have a specific Medicaid waiver covering assisted living. However, individuals living in "residential care facilities" or "assisted living facilities" can receive services through the Aged and Disabled Waiver (if they meet nursing home level of care) or Community Support Waiver (if they don't meet nursing facility level). These waivers cover personal care services only—room and board must be paid privately.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Missouri offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Aged and Disabled Waiver
Serves individuals age 65+ or adults with disabilities who require nursing facility level of care. Covers case management, personal care, respite care, adult day care, home-delivered meals, transportation, environmental modifications, personal emergency response systems, and supplies/equipment. One of Missouri's largest waiver programs with approximately 9,500 participants.
Program Details →Community Support Waiver
Serves adults age 65+ or those with physical disabilities who do NOT meet nursing facility level of care but need support to remain at home. Provides adult day care, attendant care, personal care, respite, homemaker, chore services, home-delivered meals, transportation. Generally easier to qualify than Aged and Disabled Waiver.
Program Details →Independent Living Waiver
Serves individuals transitioning from nursing facilities to community living. Provides set-up expenses, moving costs, home accessibility adaptations, transition coordination, and short-term rent/deposit assistance. Time-limited waiver (up to 12 months of enhanced services).
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Missouri
Missouri Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days for standard Medicaid; 60-120 days for waiver programs due to waiting lists and level-of-care assessments. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Missouri through:
- Online at mydss.mo.gov/healthcare
- Phone: 1-855-373-4636 (toll-free application line)
- Download application and mail to: MO HealthNet, P.O. Box 6500, Jefferson City, MO 65102-6500
- In-person at local Family Support Division office
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Missouri from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Missouri-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI)
QMB pays Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB pays Medicare Part B premium only. QI pays Part B premium (limited funding).
Learn MoreShow Me Healthy Babies
While primarily for pregnant women and infants, this program demonstrates Missouri's commitment to preventive health coverage.
Learn MoreTicket to Work Health Assurance Program
Allows working individuals with disabilities to maintain MO HealthNet coverage while employed. Income must be below 250% FPL.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Missouri Medicaid?
Contact Missouri Department of Social Services - MO HealthNet Division for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.