Missouri Medicaid, known as MO HealthNet, covers more than 1 million residents through a range of programs tied to income, household size, and specific life circumstances. If you are wondering whether you qualify in 2026, the answer starts with comparing your household income to the limits set by the Missouri Department of Social Services. This guide covers every major MO HealthNet category, including expansion adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities, with current income tables so you can check your eligibility before applying.
What Is MO HealthNet?
MO HealthNet is Missouri's Medicaid program, administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Support Division. It provides free or low-cost health coverage for qualified low-income residents, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental, vision, mental health services, and long-term care.
Missouri expanded Medicaid on July 1, 2021, under Amendment 2, which was passed by voters in 2020. Expansion extended eligibility to adults ages 19 to 64 who were not previously covered under the older, narrower rules. That change added hundreds of thousands of Missourians to the program.
2026 MO HealthNet Income Limits by Category
Income limits for MO HealthNet are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which the federal government updates each January. The 2026 FPL figures below apply to Missouri:
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 138% FPL (Annual) | 196% FPL (Annual) | 300% FPL (Annual) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,024 | $31,282 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $42,414 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $53,547 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $64,680 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $75,813 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $86,946 | $133,080 |
Expansion Adults (Ages 19 to 64)
Adults who are not pregnant, not Medicare-eligible, and not part of a traditional Medicaid category can qualify under the expansion pathway if their income is at or below 138% FPL. For a single person, that is approximately $22,024 per year or $1,835 per month in 2026.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (138% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $2,489 |
| 3 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $4,448 |
| 6 | $5,101 |
There is no asset test for expansion adults. You do not need to own less than a certain amount to qualify under this pathway.
Parents and Caretakers
Parents or caretaker relatives living with a dependent child may qualify under either the expansion adult pathway or the family coverage pathway. Because expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL, most parents in Missouri now qualify under expansion, which is equal to or more generous than the older parent/caretaker rules.
Children
Children in Missouri can qualify under MO HealthNet or MO HealthNet for Kids (CHIP) depending on their family income. Standard MO HealthNet covers children in families with income up to 133% FPL for older children and higher thresholds for infants.
Show Me Healthy Kids (CHIP) covers children who do not qualify for standard MO HealthNet but whose family income falls at or below 300% FPL. CHIP provides the same comprehensive coverage as Medicaid and also has no cost-sharing for most families.
| Child's Age | Income Limit |
|---|
| Under age 1 | 196% FPL |
| Ages 1 to 5 | 142% FPL |
| Ages 6 to 18 | 133% FPL |
| CHIP (all children) | 300% FPL |
For a family of four, 300% FPL in 2026 is approximately $99,000 per year. Most children in Missouri families earning a moderate income will qualify for either MO HealthNet or CHIP.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can qualify for MO HealthNet at up to 196% FPL. When calculating eligibility, the state counts the pregnant woman as a household of at least two, which raises the effective income limit.
For a pregnant individual counted as a household of two, 196% FPL is approximately $42,414 per year, or about $3,535 per month.
Coverage extends through 12 months postpartum, meaning new mothers remain enrolled for a full year after the baby is born.
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD)
People who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability may apply under the ABD pathway. These rules are more restrictive than expansion and include both income and asset limits.
Effective April 1, 2026:
| Household Type | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $1,131 |
| Couple (both applying) | $1,533 |
Asset limits for ABD:
| Applicant Type | Asset Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $6,068.80 |
| Married couple | $12,137.55 |
Exempt assets include your primary home (subject to an equity limit of $752,000 in 2026), one vehicle, personal belongings, household furnishings, and irrevocable pre-need burial contracts.
If you have income above the ABD limit, Missouri has a medical spend-down pathway. You can subtract allowable medical expenses from your countable income to bring it below the threshold.
Long-Term Care Medicaid (Nursing Home)
For seniors needing nursing home or assisted living coverage, MO HealthNet follows different rules. Income is generally expected to be paid toward the cost of care, with certain allowances. The asset limit for an individual is $6,068.80, and spouses at home are protected by the spousal impoverishment rules, which allow them to retain a significant share of household assets.
Applicants who exceed income limits can use a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller Trust) to direct excess income and qualify for coverage.
Medicare Savings Programs
Missouri also offers three Medicare Savings Programs through MO HealthNet for people who are already enrolled in Medicare:
| Program | Income Limit (Individual) | Benefit |
|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | 100% FPL ($1,330/mo) | Pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copays |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | 135% FPL ($1,796/mo) | Pays Medicare Part B premium only |
| Qualifying Individual (QI) | 145% FPL ($1,929/mo) | Pays Medicare Part B premium only |
These programs can save Medicare enrollees $150 or more per month on premiums alone.
Who Does Not Qualify
MO HealthNet does not cover everyone. You generally will not qualify if:
- Your income exceeds the limit for your household size and the program you are applying for
- You are an undocumented immigrant (with limited exceptions for emergency care)
- You are incarcerated
- You are a lawfully present non-citizen who has not met the required residency period (typically 5 years), unless you are a pregnant woman, a child under 21, or a veteran
How to Apply for MO HealthNet
Applying for MO HealthNet is free. Missouri offers several ways to apply:
Step 1: Gather your documents
You will need:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or mail with your address)
- Social Security numbers for everyone in the household
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters)
- Immigration documents if applicable
Step 2: Choose your application method
The fastest method is online. You can also apply by phone, mail, or in person.
- Online: Apply at myDSS.mo.gov (available 24/7)
- Phone: Call 1-855-373-4636 (Family Support Division)
- In person: Visit your local Family Support Division (FSD) office
- Mail: Download the application from the DSS website and mail it to your local FSD office
Step 3: Complete the application
The application asks about household members, income sources, assets (for ABD and long-term care only), residency, and citizenship. For expansion adults, the application is relatively short. Answer all questions honestly. Incomplete applications slow down the process.
Step 4: Submit verification documents
After submitting, you may receive a request for additional documentation. Respond promptly. You typically have 10 days to submit documents before a decision is delayed.
Step 5: Wait for a decision
Most applications are decided within 45 days. Applications for pregnant women, newborns, and children under age 19 must be decided within 30 days. Emergency or presumptive eligibility may be available for some applicants who need coverage immediately while their application is processed.
Step 6: Enroll in a health plan
Once approved, many MO HealthNet enrollees are placed in a managed care plan. Missouri uses three managed care organizations (MCOs) in most of the state. You will receive information about choosing a plan after you are approved.
Renewing Your Coverage
MO HealthNet coverage must be renewed annually. Missouri conducts an automated check using data it already has (tax records, wage data) before asking you for anything. If the state can confirm your eligibility automatically, your coverage renews without any action needed on your part.
If additional information is required, you will receive a renewal form. Return it by the deadline to avoid a gap in coverage. You can update your contact information at myDSS.mo.gov to make sure renewal notices reach you.
Changes That Affect Eligibility
Report changes to DSS within 10 days if you experience any of the following:
- A change in household income (new job, raise, job loss)
- Change in household size (marriage, divorce, new baby, family member moving in or out)
- Change of address
- Gaining access to other health insurance (like employer-sponsored coverage)
Changes can be reported online at myDSS.mo.gov or by phone at 1-855-373-4636.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Not sure whether you qualify? Use our free eligibility screener to check your status for MO HealthNet and more than 10 other benefit programs in about two minutes.
Check your eligibility at /screener
You can also find more Missouri-specific benefit information at /states/missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Missouri in 2026?
For most adults ages 19 to 64, the income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, which equals approximately $1,835 per month for a single person or $3,795 per month for a family of four in 2026. Different limits apply for children (up to 300% FPL through CHIP), pregnant women (up to 196% FPL), and seniors or people with disabilities (approximately $1,131 per month for an individual).
Does Missouri count assets for Medicaid eligibility?
It depends on the program. For expansion adults, children, pregnant women, and parents, there is no asset test. For the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) program, individuals must have countable assets at or below $6,068.80. For long-term care Medicaid, the asset rules are more complex and a $752,000 home equity limit applies.
Can I apply for MO HealthNet if I am working?
Yes. Employment does not disqualify you. You qualify based on your income, not whether you are employed. As long as your total household income falls within the limit for your household size, you can qualify even with a full-time job.
How long does it take to get approved for MO HealthNet?
Standard applications are decided within 45 days. Applications for children under 19 and pregnant women must be decided within 30 days. If you need coverage immediately, ask about presumptive eligibility, which can provide temporary coverage while your full application is reviewed.
What does MO HealthNet cover?
MO HealthNet covers a broad range of services including doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use treatment, dental care, vision services, lab and X-ray services, prenatal and maternity care, preventive care, and long-term care in nursing facilities or through home and community-based waiver programs.
Does Missouri have Medicaid expansion?
Yes. Missouri expanded Medicaid on July 1, 2021, following a voter-approved ballot initiative in August 2020. Expansion covers adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% FPL who do not qualify through other pathways.
How do I renew my MO HealthNet coverage?
Coverage renews annually. Missouri first tries to renew your coverage automatically using data it already holds. If they cannot confirm eligibility automatically, you will receive a renewal packet in the mail. Respond by the deadline to avoid losing coverage. You can also manage renewal online at myDSS.mo.gov.
Can immigrants qualify for MO HealthNet?
Lawfully present immigrants may qualify after a 5-year waiting period in most cases. Exceptions include pregnant women, children under 21, and certain veterans or their families, who may qualify immediately. Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify, except for emergency services.
What is the MO HealthNet phone number?
The Missouri Family Support Division can be reached at 1-855-373-4636, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You can also manage your case online at myDSS.mo.gov.
What if my income is too high for MO HealthNet?
If your income is too high for MO HealthNet, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. For 2026, subsidies are available for people with incomes up to 400% FPL. Run our free screener at /screener to see all the programs you may qualify for.
