We understand being uninsured or underinsured can be overwhelming, and it might be difficult to navigate all the possible assistance programs offered.
Please review the financial assistance resources below. It may help you gain access to the care you need.
Assistance programs and community resources
- MO HealthNet (Medicaid)
- Social Security disability
- Medicare
- Prescription medication assistance
- Free health screenings for women
- Health Insurance Marketplace
- Health Coverage Tax Credit
MO HealthNet (Medicaid)
The rules for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) changed in July 2021. MO HealthNet (Medicaid) now provides health care access to all adults ages 19-64 who meet income eligibility through the Medicaid Adult Expansion Program.
Who qualifies
Medicaid eligibility is based on income level and the number of people living in a household. The chart below shows the updated household income levels people need to be at or below to qualify. This includes parents who have not qualified before, as well as childless adults.
| Household Size | Annual Household Income | Monthly Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,756 | $1,563 |
| 2 | $25,272 | $2,106 |
| 3 | $31,788 | $2,649 |
| 4 | $38,304 | $3,192 |
| 5 | $44,820 | $3,735 |
| 6 | $51,324 | $4,277 |
Even if you have tried to get Medicaid before and did not qualify, you should check again. You can get free help to understand your health insurance options, including MO HealthNet (Medicaid). Call 800-466-3213 or visit CoverMissouri.org/help to find a trained expert near you.
You can apply for MO HealthNet (Medicaid) at mydss.mo.gov or when you are admitted to the hospital (a member of the financial counseling staff can assist you with the application).
After you apply, you will receive a letter from the Missouri Department of Social Services letting you know whether you’re eligible. It’s very important to turn in all verification documentation requested by the caseworker within the required time frame.
Please note that when applying for MO HealthNet disability, you will also be required to apply for Social Security disability.
Social Security disability
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) provides aid to people who are unable to achieve gainful employment due to a permanent disabling condition. If you believe you qualify for Social Security disability, you can get disability benefits by submitting an initial application.
You can submit an application for SSDI:
- In person at your local Social Security office
- Online at Social Security Online
- Over the phone at 1-800-772-1213
Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for:
- People age 65 or older
- People under age 65 with certain disabilities
- People of any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
The two main types of Medicare insurance are:
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care.
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Part B helps cover services provided by doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and home health care. It also helps cover some preventive services.
Note: Most people pay a monthly Medicare Part B premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help with paying your Medicare Part B premium and/or prescription drug coverage costs. You can apply for help at your Family Support Division county office.
If you have Medicare questions, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or 1-800-390-3330.
Prescription medication assistance
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MORx coverage expired June 30, 2017. MO HealthNet (Medicaid) participants will not be affected by this change. MORx is a prescription assistance program offered through the Missouri Department of Social Services. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, MORx will pay for portions of your prescription drugs. The program also provides a price comparison tool to help you compare prices of prescriptions at local pharmacies and find the most cost-effective location to fill your prescription. To see whether you qualify for MO HealthNet, call 1-855-373-4636 or visit https://mydss.mo.gov/. |
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NeedyMeds helps you find programs that provide free or low-cost prescription drugs. |
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The PPA also connects you to hundreds of private and public prescription assistance programs. For more information, call 1-888-477-2669. |
If you can't find the prescription assistance you need through NeedyMeds or the PPA, you might check with the pharmaceutical company that manufacturers the medicine you take. Some have their own prescription assistance programs. To do this, go to the company's website, and type "prescription assistance [name of drug]" in the website search box.
Free health screenings for women
We offer the following free health screening services for women:
- Show Me Healthy Women. This is a breast and cervical cancer screening program for women age 35 and older who meet specific income and insurance guidelines. Services are available through MU Health Care Ellis Fischel Cancer Center or participating agencies.
- Screening mammograms. We provide other free screening mammograms for women not eligible for SMHW at MU Health Care through Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Cancer Screening Fund.
Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace provides health insurance options for individuals, families and small businesses through marketplaces (exchanges). You can shop and buy private insurance based on quality and price. Individuals and families with incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for subsidies to help cover the cost of premiums.
You can buy insurance coverage through the marketplace during annual open enrollment. For more information and the next enrollment dates, please visit CoverMissouri.org or HealthCare.gov.
Health Coverage Tax Credit
The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) is a tax credit that pays 72.5 percent of qualified health insurance premiums for eligible individuals and their families. The HCTC acts as partial reimbursement for qualified health insurance coverage premiums. You can claim this tax credit for qualified coverage through 2019.
Please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to find out if you qualify for the HCTC.