Imagine that you’re faced with a difficult decision: go to an assisted living facility or seek help right in your home. Missouri’s Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet, helps by providing home care services that are funded that allow you to stay at home and continue receiving the care you require. Recent updates to 2025 improve the quality of care with slight increases in limit on asset and income beginning July 1 and ongoing adjustments to waivers such as that of the age-related and disabled waiver (ADW).
You’re eligible if 65 or disabled, have met the requirements of a nursing facility’s level care (NFLOC) and are below the limit of income that ranges from $1,109 to $1,690 a month for individuals. The programs cover individual medical care, nursing visits and consumer-directed services in which you decide who your caregiver is, including family. You don’t have to worry about leaving your home The options expanded after the PHE de-winding process, allowing thousands of people to stay away from institutions due to staffing shortages and federally-planned changes such as less retroactive coverage. It’s your road to independence, and it’s backed by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
Missouri’s Medicaid Funded Overview
| Feature | home care (HCBS Waivers similar to ADW) | Nursing Home Medicaid |
| Asset Limit (Single) | $6,068.80 (July 2025) | $6,068.80 |
| Income Limit (Single) | $1,109-$1,690/mo (program-specific) | There is no cap. Pay the most towards health medical expenses ($50 individual allowance) |
| Services | Personal care or respite, nursing at home | All-time care in the facility |
| Availability | Waitlists possible; slots limited | Entitlement (always available) |
| Official Website | https://www.cms.gov/ | |
Why Choose Home Care Now?
You’d like to remain in peace with your family photos and gardens as well as your routines. Missouri’s home care is superior to nursing homes in terms of the comfort level and costs. Medicare pays for care that meets nursing-level requirements without having to relocate the person who is living with you. In 2025, updates lifted asset limits from $5,909 to $6.068 for singles. This gives you more room to build savings or a home that has up 730,000 dollars equity. Caps on income are also adjusted: ADW allows up to $1,690 a month for singles however, Structured Family Caregiving (SFCW) remains at around $1,109. It is up to DHSS to review your ADLs like eating and bathing. If you’re not doing them you’re in. After unwinding, enrollment dropped but then stabilized, with the attention on HCBS to reduce burdens on facilities in the face of delays to federal staffing until 2035.
Proposed federal shifts are in the works: retroactive coverage could be reduced to 30 days in 2026. Therefore, take action now. Missouri’s personal Care Program adds basic/advanced aid to those who have chronic issues, and consumers-directed options that let you employ assistance. The plan is flexible, you decide how to use it.
Who Qualifies for Your Benefits?
You must be in good health to be eligible: you must reside in Missouri or be over 63 or disable and be able to meet NFLOC by DHSS review. Assets less than $6,000 (singles) and $12,137 (couples) Couples can keep the assets of one spouse up to $157.920. Income? Pay off extra medical expenses if they are close. Exempt: the primary residence automobile, personal belongings, and other vehicles. Dual Medicare people are covered for premiums as well.
- Age/disability: 63+ or SSA-approved.
- Residence: Missouri only, no plans to quit.
- Functional need: Assistance in 2+ ADLs (dressing and cleaning toilets) (dressing, toileting) IADLs (shopping bills, shopping).
Older or blind? The thresholds are higher. Pregnant or a child? Separate pathways However, adults are the ones who focus. Contact 855-835-3505 for a screening. No shame, it’s your choice.
Services You Get at Home
The assistance you receive is tailored to your needs by a personal attendant for grooming/meals and nurse visits to treat medical or wounds and time for breaks with the family. ADW helps with household chores and adult day care even home modifications such as ramps. The Consumer Directed Services (CDS) shine – you plan your hours, and hire certified assistants (family OK, with guidelines). Hours? They can vary according to the need, and up to full-time, if approved. EVV tracks hours via apps to monitor compliance.
Private duty nursing is a great option for acute flares. Structured Family Caregiving reimburses relatives $15 to $20/hour following the training. There are no copays, and Medicare pays it. Providers such as Advantage Home Care enroll via MMAC.
How You Apply Step-by-Step
Begin on the internet at mydss.mo.gov or contact FSD at 1-855-373-436. Make sure you have proof of ID and proof of income (pay Stubs, SSI letters), assets (bank statements) as well as a doctor’s report on the need.
- Submit app-takes 45 days max.
- DHSS examines NFLOC (home trip).
- If you’re approved, select waiver. Waitlist if slots are have been filled.
- Providers for enrollment; services begin.
Annually renew; make frequently to prevent gaps. Free assistance: Legal Services or elder law experts to plan your gifts. Gifts can trigger five-year penalty for lookback.
Latest 2025 News Impacting You
July 1 increases in assets by $160 Incomes are aligned with inflation. PHE is removing cut rolls, but it is boosting renewals for ex parte (71 percent of renewals with there is no documentation). Federal plans to freeze home equity at $730k by 2028. Also, staffing stops. Missouri is able to counter by implementing HCBS push. New electronic case system launched in on June 2025 to allow faster claims. Expansion holds 337k adults, funding 90% federal.
October HCBS adjustments via bulletins; sign up to MO HealthNet News. There aren’t any major cuts yet, but your home health plan gets stronger.
Tips to Maximize Your Care
Shop providers: ask ratios, training. Self-direct for family payments. Trusts can be used to avoid lookbacks. Follow ADLs early, as delays can be detrimental. Combine this with Medicare for full coverage.
You are able to remain at home thanks to Missouri’s latest MO HealthNet home health care. Apply now, make smart plans and be a self-sufficient. Your comfort is important and these programs provide.
FAQ’s
Family members can be paid for my caregiving?
Yes, through CDS and SFCW after background checks and training. Rates are $15+/hour.
What’s the waiting time for slots for home care?
Variable; ADW often 3-6 months however personal care begins earlier.
Do I lose my home?
Exempted you are under the equity cap. No lien if you decide to return.
Hi, I’m Harikesh, a content writer at cgncollege.com. I write engaging and informative articles covering the latest news, India, and global updates. My goal is to keep readers informed with accurate and insightful stories from around the world.
