The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently announced that approximately 275,000 Missourians are now eligible for comprehensive health coverage, thanks to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Missouri will be eligible to receive an estimated $968 million in additional federal funding for its Medicaid program over the next two years.
Free or low cost health coverage is now available to Missourians – in many cases for the first time. For example, a single adult making up to $17,774 a year, or a family of 4 making up to $36,750 a year, may qualify for Medicaid through MO HealthNet. This includes parents who have not qualified before, as well as adults without children.
“Hundreds of thousands of Missourians can now gain the peace of mind of having health coverage through Medicaid,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This is a win for all Missourians who have fought long and hard to gain their rightful access to quality health insurance made possible through the Affordable Care Act. As we celebrate Missouri’s Medicaid expansion, the Biden-Harris Administration will double down on our outreach efforts to urge the remaining twelve states to join the rest of the nation in ensuring access to health care during this critical time.”
Missouri Medicaid, called MO HealthNet, has received over 17,000 applications since they began accepting applications for Medicaid expansion coverage in August 2021. Once enrolled in coverage, individuals will receive full Medicaid benefits – including access to primary and preventive care, emergency services, substance use disorder treatment, and prescription drug benefits.
“Medicaid in Missouri has expanded, and I encourage eligible Missourians to apply,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “MO HealthNet’s expansion will put comprehensive health coverage within reach for more than 275,000 additional Missourians. We will continue to encourage remaining states to extend the lifeline of Medicaid coverage to all who need it.”
