MO HealthNet Income Limits 2026 (Missouri Medicaid)

MO HealthNet is Missouri's Medicaid program, administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) through its Family Support Division (FSD) and the MO HealthNet Division (MHD). Following the passage of voter-approved Amendment 2 in August 2020 and a court order enforcing it in August 2021, Missouri joined the 38 states (plus DC) that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The expansion took effect October 1, 2021, extending MO HealthNet coverage to adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes at or below 138% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level, currently $22,025 per year for a single adult or $45,540 per year for a family of four. Before expansion, adults without dependent children rarely qualified regardless of income.

MO HealthNet serves roughly 1.1 million Missourians in 2026 across multiple eligibility groups. Expansion adults (ages 19 to 64) qualify at 138% FPL. Pregnant women qualify at 196% FPL and receive 12 months of postpartum coverage under federal rules that Missouri has adopted. Children under age 1 qualify at 196% FPL, and children ages 1 through 18 qualify at 148% FPL for MO HealthNet; the Show Me Healthy Kids program (Missouri's CHIP) bridges coverage for families earning between approximately 150% and 300% FPL. Aged, blind, and disabled individuals are covered under separate asset-tested categories tied to SSI-related thresholds. The 2026 FPL, $15,960 for a single individual and $33,000 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states, is the base for every MO HealthNet threshold below.

MO HealthNet uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules for most eligibility categories, meaning there is no asset test for expansion adults, parents and caretakers, children, and pregnant women. The state applies the federal 5% income disregard: although Missouri's official DSS income chart lists the adult expansion threshold as 133% FPL (posted as $21,226 for one person as of April 1, 2026), the effective coverage threshold reaches 138% FPL when the 5% disregard is factored in. Aged, blind, and disabled categories remain asset-tested with a $6,068.80 individual resource limit and an 85% FPL income cap. Applications are accepted year-round at mydss.mo.gov/healthcare or by calling the Family Support Division at 855-373-4636.

MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) income limits by household size (2026)

MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) 2026 income limits by household size. Adult column shows the 138% FPL expansion threshold effective with the federal 5% disregard. Children column is 148% FPL (ages 1-18 standard MO HealthNet). Pregnancy column is 196% FPL (Missouri official limit for pregnant women). All figures based on 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC.

MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) eligibility requirements (non-income)

MO HealthNet eligibility depends on income, household composition, residency, and citizenship status. Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021, so the key categories now include expansion adults, parents and caretakers, pregnant women, children, and aged/blind/disabled individuals. MAGI categories have no asset test; SSI-related categories retain a resource limit.

• Missouri residency: applicants must live in Missouri at the time of application. Temporary absence (hospitalization, travel) does not interrupt residency. There is no minimum length-of-residency requirement.
• Citizenship and immigration status: U.S. citizens and many qualified non-citizens (lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration categories) are eligible. Most lawful immigrants are subject to a 5-year bar during their first five years in the U.S., though pregnant women and children are exempt from the bar under Missouri and federal rules.
• Social Security Number: applicants must provide a Social Security Number or apply for one if eligible. Individuals who are not required to have an SSN (certain immigrants) may still apply; other household members' SSNs are required when applying on their behalf.
• Household composition and income: MO HealthNet uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules to determine household size and income for most categories. The MAGI household generally mirrors the tax-filing unit. For expansion adults (ages 19 to 64), the income limit is 138% FPL ($22,025 per year for one person in 2026). For pregnant women and infants under age 1, the limit is 196% FPL ($31,282 for one person in 2026).
• Asset test: Missouri does NOT apply a resource (asset) test to MAGI categories, which include expansion adults, parents and caretakers, pregnant women, and children. The asset test applies only to the aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) categories: individuals may have no more than $6,068.80 in countable resources (single) or $12,137.55 (married couple). The primary home, one vehicle, and household goods are generally excluded.
• Age requirements by category: expansion adults must be ages 19 to 64; children must be 18 or younger; pregnant women must be pregnant at the time of application (coverage continues through 12 months postpartum); aged individuals must be 65 or older for the ABD aged category; blind and disabled individuals must meet SSA or state disability criteria.
• Other coverage: expansion adults must not already be enrolled in Medicare, another MO HealthNet category (such as a family or pregnancy category), or other qualifying coverage. Parents and caretakers applying under the family category must have a dependent child under age 19 in the household and must cooperate with child-support enforcement.

What income counts for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)

MO HealthNet uses the federal MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) definition of income for expansion adults, parents, children, and pregnant women. MAGI income closely follows the IRS definition of gross income with a few Medicaid-specific adjustments. Missouri applies the standard federal 5% income disregard on top of the posted FPL percentage, which effectively raises the coverage threshold from the posted 133% FPL to the effective 138% FPL. Aged, blind, and disabled categories use a separate income-counting methodology that excludes certain earnings and medical expenses.

Income sources included

• Wages, salaries, and tips: all W-2 earned income from employment, including overtime, bonuses, and tips. Missouri Medicaid counts gross wages before payroll deductions.
• Self-employment net earnings: net profit from self-employment or business ownership (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses) as reported on Schedule C, Schedule F, or Schedule E.
• Social Security benefits: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and Social Security retirement and survivor benefits are counted as income under MAGI rules. Note that SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is excluded.
• Unemployment compensation: all unemployment insurance benefits are counted as MAGI income in the year received.
• Interest, dividends, and capital gains: taxable interest income, ordinary dividends, and net capital gains from investments are included in MAGI.
• Pension and retirement distributions: taxable distributions from pensions, 401(k) plans, IRAs, and other retirement accounts are counted as MAGI income.
• Rental income: net rental income (rent received minus allowable rental expenses) is included. Net rental losses are not deducted from other income sources.
• Alimony from pre-2019 divorce decrees: alimony received under divorce or separation agreements executed before January 1, 2019, is counted as MAGI income. Alimony from agreements executed on or after that date is not included (TCJA change).

Income sources excluded

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): SSI payments are explicitly excluded from MAGI income. SSI recipients are automatically eligible for MO HealthNet under a separate SSI-related category.
• Child support received: child support payments received on behalf of a child are not counted as MAGI income for either the child or the parent.
• Veterans' benefits: VA disability compensation, GI Bill educational benefits, and VA pension payments are excluded from MAGI income.
• Workers' compensation: workers' compensation payments for work-related injury or illness are not counted as MAGI income.
• TANF and other cash assistance: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and most other cash assistance payments are excluded from MAGI income.
• Gifts, inheritances, and loans: lump-sum gifts, inheritances, and loan proceeds are not counted as income under MAGI rules, though large lump sums received in an eligibility year may be reported.
• Foster care payments: foster care maintenance payments and adoption assistance are excluded from the income of the foster child and the foster family for MAGI purposes.

How to apply for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) in Missouri

MO HealthNet applications are accepted year-round through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Support Division (FSD). Missouri offers three ways to apply: online at mydss.mo.gov/healthcare, by phone at 855-373-4636 (FSD general line) or 800-392-2161 (MO HealthNet Division), and in person at any FSD Resource Center location. The same online portal captures MO HealthNet, SNAP, TANF, and other benefit programs simultaneously, so one application can determine eligibility for multiple programs. Most MO HealthNet decisions are issued within 45 days; disability-related determinations may take longer.

1. 1. Gather your documents: photo ID for the head of household, Social Security Numbers for all household members applying for coverage, proof of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of income for the most recent 30 days (recent pay stubs, benefit award letters, or a self-employment profit-and-loss statement), and proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent-resident card).
2. 2. Apply online, by phone, or in person: create an account at mydss.mo.gov and select 'Apply for Healthcare,' call FSD at 855-373-4636, or visit an FSD Resource Center. The online portal is recommended because it processes faster and generates a confirmation number immediately.
3. 3. Complete the application: list every household member, report all sources of income, and answer questions about current health insurance. The portal guides you through each section and flags incomplete fields before submission.
4. 4. Submit and save your confirmation number: after submitting online, FSD issues a confirmation number. Save or screenshot this number; it is required if you need to follow up on the status of your application.
5. 5. Respond to any requests for additional information from FSD promptly. FSD may send a request for verification documents within a specified deadline. Failing to respond is one of the most common reasons applications are denied. You can upload documents through the online portal or fax them to your local FSD office.
6. 6. Receive your eligibility decision: FSD mails a written notice of the eligibility determination. If approved, you will receive a MO HealthNet ID card and information about your managed care plan (most MO HealthNet members are enrolled in a managed care organization). If denied, the notice will state the reason and describe your right to appeal.

Official portal: mydss.mo.gov

Documents needed

• Photo ID for the head of household (Missouri driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport)
• Social Security Numbers for every household member applying for MO HealthNet coverage
• Proof of Missouri residency: utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other official document showing current Missouri address
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, permanent resident card, or immigration documents)
• Income documentation for the most recent 30 days: pay stubs, employer letter stating hours and wages, benefit award letters (Social Security, VA, pension), unemployment compensation statements
• Self-employment documentation: most recent federal income tax return with Schedule C, or a 12-month profit-and-loss statement if no tax return was filed
• Proof of pregnancy for applicants applying under the pregnancy category (a signed statement from a licensed health care provider confirming the pregnancy and expected due date)

Processing timeline: Most MO HealthNet applications are decided within 45 days of the date the completed application is received by FSD. Pregnancy applications may be processed faster, and presumptive eligibility may be granted while the full application is pending. Disability-related determinations (aged, blind, or disabled categories) may take 60 to 90 days because they require a medical review. If FSD has not issued a decision after 45 days, applicants may call 855-373-4636 to request a status update or request a fair hearing.

Common reasons applications get denied

• Income above the income limit for the applicable MO HealthNet category: this is the most common denial reason. Confirm your MAGI household income against the current Missouri DSS income chart at mydss.mo.gov/benefit-program-income-limits before applying.
• Failure to respond to FSD's request for additional information within the deadline: FSD sends a 'notice of needed information.' Missing this deadline results in automatic denial. Applicants should respond within the stated timeframe and may reapply without penalty.
• Not meeting the age or category requirement: expansion adults must be ages 19 to 64. Individuals age 65 or older must apply under the aged category, which has separate income and asset rules. Children must be 18 or younger.
• Failure to verify citizenship or immigration status: if the applicant cannot provide acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status within the verification period, FSD will deny the application.
• Residency not established: if the applicant cannot provide a document showing a current Missouri address, FSD will deny the application. Homeless applicants may use the address of a shelter, a case manager, or another individual who can verify the applicant's presence in Missouri.

If your child's income is above the MO HealthNet limit: Show Me Healthy Kids (CHIP)

Show Me Healthy Kids is Missouri's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), covering children under age 19 whose family income is above the MO HealthNet children's Medicaid limit but at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, that means a family of four earning between roughly $48,840 and $99,000 per year may qualify for Show Me Healthy Kids. Coverage includes doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, and emergency services. Families earning between 150% and 300% FPL pay monthly premiums on a sliding scale; families below 150% FPL pay no premium. Apply through the same mydss.mo.gov/healthcare portal used for MO HealthNet.

Compare CHIP and Medicaid income limits across all 50 states

If you have Medicare and limited income: Missouri Medicare Savings Programs

Missouri administers three Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, also called dual-eligible programs. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program covers Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing for individuals with income at or below 100% FPL ($15,960 per year for one person in 2026). The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program pays Medicare Part B premiums for individuals with income between 100% and 135% FPL ($21,546 per year for one person in 2026). The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays Part B premiums for individuals between 135% and 145% FPL. All three programs are administered through MO HealthNet and share the same application process at mydss.mo.gov. About 1.2 million Missourians are enrolled in both Medicare and MO HealthNet as dual-eligible beneficiaries.

Read the Medicare eligibility guide

Frequently Asked Questions