Last Updated: March 2026
Missouri Medicaid income limits in 2026 decide who gets free or low-cost health coverage through the state’s MO HealthNet program.
Your eligibility depends on your household size, age, income, and whether you are disabled or pregnant.
Here are the key facts you need to know right now:
- Adults ages 19–64 can earn up to $1,799/month (single person) and still qualify under Medicaid expansion
- Children ages 1–18 qualify with family income up to about $2,021/month for a one-person household
- Pregnant women are covered with income up to roughly $2,621/month, and coverage lasts 12 months after delivery
- Seniors and disabled residents have a stricter limit of $1,109/month plus asset limits of $6,068.80
- CHIP (Show Me Healthy Kids) covers children in families earning up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
- You can apply free online at the myDSS portal, by phone, in person, or by mail
What Is Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet)?
MO HealthNet is Missouri’s name for the Medicaid program. It gives health coverage to people who meet income and other rules.
The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) runs MO HealthNet. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more. You can learn more at the myDSS healthcare portal.
Who Can Get MO HealthNet?
These groups may qualify:
- Low-income adults ages 19 to 64
- Children under 19
- Pregnant women
- Seniors age 65 and older
- People who are blind or disabled
- Residents who need nursing home care
Each group has its own income limit. Some groups also have asset limits.
How the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Works
Most Missouri Medicaid limits use a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. The FPL changes each year based on household size.
Here are the common FPL percentages used in MO HealthNet:
| Coverage Group | FPL Percentage |
|---|---|
| Adult Medicaid Expansion | 138% FPL |
| Children (Ages 1–18) | 148%–155% FPL |
| Children (Under Age 1) | 201% FPL |
| Pregnant Women | 196%–201% FPL |
| CHIP (Show Me Healthy Kids) | Up to 300% FPL |
A higher FPL percentage means a higher income limit. This lets more people qualify.
To check if your income falls within these limits based on your state, see our guide on Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.
2026 Missouri Medicaid Income Limits by Group
Below are the income limit charts for every major MO HealthNet category.
Adults Ages 19–64 (Medicaid Expansion)
Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021. Adults now qualify if they earn 138% FPL or less. There is no asset test for this group.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,799 |
| 2 | $2,433 |
| 3 | $3,067 |
| 4 | $3,701 |
These limits use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules. You do not need dependent children to qualify.
Parents and Caretakers (MO HealthNet for Families)
Parents or caretakers of dependent children have different limits. These limits are lower than expansion adult limits.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,692 |
| 2 | $2,892 |
| 3 | $3,612 |
| 4 | $4,236 |
This program targets custodial parents. It has some of the strictest income rules in Missouri.
Children Under Age 1
Babies under 1 year old qualify at higher income levels. The limit is about 201% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,621 |
| 2 | $3,543 |
| 3 | $4,464 |
| 4 | $5,384 |
Children Ages 1–18
Older children qualify at roughly 148% to 155% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,021 |
| 2 | $2,732 |
| 3 | $3,442 |
| 4 | $4,152 |
If your family earns more than these limits, your child may still get coverage through CHIP (Show Me Healthy Kids). CHIP covers children in families earning up to 300% FPL.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women in Missouri can qualify with income up to about 196%–201% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,621 |
| 2 | $3,543 |
| 3 | $4,464 |
| 4 | $5,384 |
Important rules for pregnant women:
- Your pregnancy counts as an extra household member
- Coverage lasts through pregnancy and 12 months after delivery
- You can apply at any time during pregnancy
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD Medicaid)
Seniors and disabled residents follow stricter rules. This group uses non-MAGI rules, which include asset limits.
2026 Income Limits:
| Applicant Type | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual | $1,109 |
| Married Couple | $1,499 |
2026 Asset Limits:
| Applicant Type | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual | $6,068.80 |
| Couple | $12,137.55 |
If only one spouse applies, the other spouse may keep up to $162,660 under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA).
Try our Medicaid eligibility calculator for 2026 to quickly check if you qualify.
Long-Term Care Medicaid in Missouri
Long-term care Medicaid covers nursing homes and home-based care waivers. The rules are different from regular Medicaid.
Key Rules for 2026
- Income threshold: About $2,901 per month
- Personal needs allowance: Around $50 per month for nursing home residents
- Look-back period: Missouri checks 5 years of financial history for asset transfers
Applicants must spend most of their income on care costs. Only a small personal allowance is kept.
Special Missouri Medicaid Programs
Missouri offers extra programs with different income rules.
| Program | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Show Me Healthy Babies | Up to 300% FPL |
| Ticket to Work Health Assurance | Up to 300% FPL |
| MO HealthNet for the Blind | Up to 100% FPL |
| MO HealthNet Expansion Adults | 133%–138% FPL |
Show Me Healthy Babies helps pregnant women who earn too much for regular Medicaid. Ticket to Work helps working adults with disabilities keep their health coverage.
Spend-Down Medicaid in Missouri
You may still qualify even if your income is too high. Missouri’s Spend-Down program works like a deductible.
How Spend-Down Works
- Missouri sets your income limit at $1,109 (individual) or $1,499 (couple)
- You subtract that limit from your actual income
- The difference is your “spend-down” amount
- You pay that amount in medical bills each month
- After meeting the spend-down, Medicaid covers the rest
Example: You earn $1,400 per month. The limit is $1,109. Your spend-down is $291 per month in medical expenses.
What Income Counts for Missouri Medicaid?
Knowing what income Missouri counts is important. Here is a breakdown.
Income That Counts
- Wages and salaries
- Social Security benefits
- Pension payments
- IRA withdrawals
- Alimony received
- Rental income
- Investment dividends
Income That May Not Count
- SSI benefits (for some groups)
- Certain retirement contributions
- ABLE account earnings
The type of income that counts can vary by program. MAGI groups count different income than non-MAGI groups.
For details on how Medicaid services are billed and reimbursed, check our Medicaid fee schedule guide for 2026.
2026 Quick Reference Chart
Here is a fast summary of Missouri’s main Medicaid income limits for 2026.
| Eligibility Group | Monthly Limit (1 Person) |
|---|---|
| Adults 19–64 (Expansion) | $1,799 |
| Pregnant Women | $2,621+ |
| Children Under 1 | $2,621+ |
| Children Ages 1–18 | $2,021+ |
| Seniors/Disabled (ABD) | $1,109 |
| Long-Term Care | ~$2,901 |
| CHIP (Children) | Up to 300% FPL |
These are estimates for a single-person household. Larger households have higher limits.
2026 Missouri Medicaid Policy Changes
A few changes may affect MO HealthNet this year.
More Frequent Eligibility Reviews
Missouri may check eligibility every six months instead of once a year. This means you must keep your information updated with DSS.
Possible Work Requirements
Federal proposals could add work requirements of 80 hours per month for adults ages 19 to 64. This would start in late 2026 if approved. The rules are still being finalized.
Stay updated through the Missouri DSS benefits page.
How to Apply for Missouri Medicaid
Applying is free. You can apply in several ways.
Application Methods
- Online — Visit the myDSS portal
- In person — Go to your local Family Support Division office
- By phone — Call the DSS helpline
- By mail — Send a paper application
Processing Times
- Standard applications: Up to 45 days
- Disability-based applications: Up to 90 days
Tip: Gather your income documents, ID, and proof of residency before you apply. This speeds up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Missouri Medicaid in 2026?
For adults ages 19–64, the limit is about $1,799 per month for a single person. This equals 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Other groups have different limits.
Does Missouri have Medicaid expansion in 2026?
Yes. Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021. Adults ages 19 to 64 who earn 138% FPL or less can qualify, even without dependent children.
What is the asset limit for elderly Medicaid in Missouri?
An individual can have up to $6,068.80 in countable assets. A couple can have up to $12,137.55. Asset limits only apply to aged, blind, and disabled applicants.
Can pregnant women get Medicaid in Missouri?
Yes. Pregnant women qualify with income up to about 201% FPL. Coverage lasts through pregnancy and 12 months postpartum. The pregnancy counts as an extra household member.
How do I apply for MO HealthNet in 2026?
You can apply online at the myDSS portal, visit a local Family Support Division office, or apply by phone or mail. Most decisions take up to 45 days.
Will Missouri add Medicaid work requirements in 2026?
Federal proposals may require 80 hours of work per month for adults ages 19–64. This could start in late 2026, but final rules depend on federal approval.
Last Updated: March 2026
Sources: Missouri Department of Social Services (myDSS), Medicaid Planning Assistance, HealthInsurance.org
