Missouri Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors

Understanding the Medicaid system can feel like a big puzzle. In this guide, Senior Planning will help you understand the requirements for Missouri Medicaid long-term care eligibility, focusing on who can qualify for Medicaid, the programs offered, income and asset limits, and the steps to initiate the process. Whether you are applying for yourself or assisting an elderly individual in Missouri, we aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Missouri Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

Who is eligible for Medicaid in Missouri?

Missouri Medicaid qualification guidelines state that seniors must be at least 65 years old,  citizens of the United States, residents of Missouri, and meet the income and asset criteria.

The specifications for income and assets are designed to accommodate varying circumstances. The result is that the limits may differ depending on marital status or the route taken to meet Missouri’s Medicaid eligibility requirements. Please note that these numbers are subject to change.

Missouri Medicaid Income Limits 2025

What is the monthly income limit for Medicaid in Missouri? The MO HealthNet Medicaid income limits in Missouri for seniors applying for long-term services are outlined in the chart below.

Missouri Medicaid Eligibility Income Chart

For Medicaid eligibility, most forms of income count toward the income limit. This includes wages, alimony, pensions, Social Security benefits, IRA withdrawals, and investment earnings. However, certain types of payments are excluded, such as Holocaust restitution payments and  Basic VA Pensions. 

When only one spouse applies for Nursing Home Medicaid or a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver, only the applicant’s income is considered. The non-applicant spouse’s income is ignored, and may even receive part of the applicant’s income through the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) to prevent financial hardship. 

For Regular Medicaid/MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, both spouses’ incomes are counted together for eligibility, and there is no spousal income allowance. 

Missouri Medicaid Asset Limit

In addition to the income limit, an asset limit is also considered in determining Missouri Medicaid long-term care eligibility. What is the asset limit for Medicaid in Missouri?

These limits are outlined in the table below.

Assets that are considered within Missouri’s Medicaid limit include cash, investments, bank accounts, and properties other than the individual’s primary residence. Exempt assets that are not taken into account include personal belongings, home furnishings, and a single vehicle.

When one or both partners are applying, all assets are considered jointly owned. However, if only one partner applies for long-term care Medicaid (either nursing home or Home and Community-Based Services, or HCBS), the spouse who is not applying is allowed to retain up to $157,920 of the couple's assets through the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). This allowance does not apply to Regular Medicaid.

Medicaid Look Back Rule: Missouri has a look-back period of 60 months (5 years) on asset transfers in many long-term care Medicaid programs. If you have transferred assets for less than fair market value during this period, there may be a penalty period of ineligibility. 

How to Qualify if You Exceed the Limits

Senior residents who exceed Missouri Medicaid’s income limits can still be eligible for long-term care coverage through alternative pathways.

Medically Needy Pathway

Seniors whose income is higher than Medicaid’s standard limit can qualify through Missouri’s Spend Down Program, which allows them to offset excess income with medical expenses, such as prescriptions, hospital bills, and medical equipment.

Qualified Income Trusts (QITS)

This option helps applicants whose income exceeds Medicaid’s limit for waiver programs. Also referred to as Miller Trusts, this approach involves placing funds into an irrevocable trust, which is not counted as income. This fund is then managed by a trustee to be used for approved expenses, such as home-based care, medical supplies, or other health-related needs that MO HealthNet does not cover.

Asset Spend Down 

Applicants with assets above the allowable limit may spend down their resources on approved, non-countable items. Medicaid asset spend-down in Missouri allows, for example, modifying a home for accessibility, prepaying funeral needs, or paying off debt. These transfers should be documented so as not to violate Medicaid’s Look-Back Rule.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Missouri for The Elderly

There are various intricate details to consider when applying for Medicaid in Missouri. You don’t have to handle it on your own. At Senior Planning, we simplify the process and guide you every step of the way. Here is what the application process typically involves:

1. Select the Right Medicaid Program: Start by determining the Medicaid program that best meets your needs. For seniors looking for long-term care coverage, options include Nursing Home Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services, or Regular Medicaid.

2. Review Eligibility Rules: Next, review Missouri’s income and asset requirements to make sure you qualify for the program you have selected.

3. Gather Necessary Documentation: Prepare the documents you will need to verify your eligibility. Use this handy checklist of documentation required for Medicaid in Missouri. 

4. Submit the Application: You can apply for Missouri Medicaid online or by submitting a paper application. 

Missouri Medicaid Eligibility for Nursing Homes

In Missouri, Medicaid will cover the full cost of nursing home care for seniors who meet the state’s eligibility requirements. This includes room and board, meals, personal care, and routine medical services provided in a licensed facility. 

Not all nursing homes in Missouri accept Medicaid, and some facilities may offer only a limited number of Medicaid-covered beds. For this reason, it is always best to confirm Medicaid availability directly with the nursing homes before applying or making arrangements. 

Missouri Medicaid Long-Term Care Eligibility Support

The cost of long-term care in Missouri can be significant for many individuals. Qualifying for Medicaid can help alleviate financial burdens and ensure access to quality care. Contact Senior Planning today, and we will guide you through this process from start to finish, ensuring you or your loved ones receive the coverage they need. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Missouri Medicaid Eligibility

Can I apply for Medicaid online in Missouri?

Yes. The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) provides an online portal where you can apply for MO HealthNet. 

How can I protect my assets from Medicaid in Missouri?

Protect assets from Medicaid in Missouri by using Medicaid-compliant planning, including: funding an irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust at least five years before application, converting countable assets into exempt forms (primary home, one vehicle, prepaid funeral), considering a Medicaid-compliant annuity, and consulting an elder-law attorney.

Does Social Security count as income for Medicaid in Missouri?

Social Security counts as income for Medicaid in Missouri. The state includes monthly Social Security benefits when calculating Medicaid eligibility. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients usually qualify automatically, while Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement income may require meeting Missouri’s income and asset limits. Consult an experienced Medicaid expert at Senior Planning for more info, or reach out to an attorney foe legal guidance.