Medicaid was signed into law in 1965. It is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments to pay for medical long-term care assistance to eligible individuals and families who have low incomes and limited resources. In Missouri, the Division of Medical Services administers the program. It is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income.
Who is Eligible for Medicaid?
Medicaid is actually a patchwork of programs, each with its own unique set of eligibility categories. Programs include Persons with Disabilities; Elderly; Adults and Pregnant Women; MC+ for Kids – Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and Traditional MC+/Medicaid Children. The Family Support Division (FSD) determines eligibility. See the table below for eligibility categories.
| Program | Eligibility Categories |
| Persons with Disabilities | Permanently & Totally Disabled; Aid to the Blind; Blind Pension; Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities |
| Elderly | Old Age Assistance; Qualified Medicare Beneficiary |
| Adults & Pregnant Women | Medical Assistance for Families – Adult, Refugees, General Relief, 1115 Waiver Adult, Women with Breast or Cervical Cancer, Medicaid for Pregnant Women (Poverty & MAF Income), Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women |
| MC+ for Kids (CHIPS) Children | Premium, Co-Pay, No Cost |
| Traditional MC+/Medicaid Children | Medicaid for Children, Medical Assistance for Families – Child, Foster Care, Child Welfare Services, Title XIX – Homeless, Dependent Neglected, DYS – General Revenue, Children in a Vendor Institution, Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities, Presumptive Eligibility for Children |
In 2000, about 33% of Missouri children participated in the
Medicaid program. About 9% of adults participated.
To find out if you qualify or to help someone who may, contact the
Family Support Division office in the county where you live. They
can tell you how to apply or change eligibility information. Check
your telephone book under the name of your county or the Social
Services Department website for a list of Family Support offices.
Find answers to frequently asked Medicaid questions at
http://www.dss.mo.gov/dms/faq/faqrecip.htm.
If you have already lost your Medicaid coverage, you can reapply and ask that you be considered for eligibility categories other than the one you were in. If you have not yet been notified but expect cuts or changes, the Adverse Action Notice or letter you receive from Family Services Division will give you instructions for how to request a hearing. You generally will have only 10 days to do so. If there is anything in the letter you do not understand, ask your caseworker to explain it to you until you do understand it.
