MO HealthNet is Missouri’s state Medicaid program. It helps low-income individuals, families with children, pregnant women and women with certain cancers to access health care services at no cost. The program covers an array of health care costs, including inpatient hospital care, primary care, emergency transportation and prescription medications.
Seniors who wish to apply for MO HealthNet must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 65 or older
- Be a permanent resident of Missouri and a legal US citizen
- Have a maximum income of $885 per month ($1,198 for married couples)
- Own a maximum of $3,000 in countable assets
All income sources are considered when determining eligibility; however, some assets are exempt, including the applicant’s house as long as they or their spouse continue to live in it and the value doesn’t exceed $585,000, their household furnishings, personal belongings, a single vehicle and irrevocable burial trusts.
Married applicants who are applying without their spouse and don’t meet the requirements may transfer up to $126,420 of their joint assets to their spouse without penalty. Missouri’s Medicaid spend-down program also allows applicants who don’t meet income requirements but have exceptionally high medical bills to spend down their income on medical expenses before their eligibility is assessed. Any applicant wishing to transfer assets or take advantage of spend-down rules should consider working with a Medicaid planner on their application.
Seniors can
apply for MO HealthNet online or download a paper application and fax it to (573) 751-3091 or mail it to:
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, MO 65102-2320
Those who need assistance with the application can call (855) 373-4636.
Supplemental Nursing Care The SNC program helps residents of assisted living facilities pay for their care by providing a monthly cash payment of up to $292. Seniors are expected to use this payment toward the cost of care and other medical expenses.
To qualify for SNC, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and reside in a licensed residential care or assisted living facility. They also must be fully eligible for MO HealthNet.
To apply, seniors can contact the
Family Support Division at (855) 373-4636.