--- title: "Medicaid Home Care: HCBS Waivers in Kansas and Missouri" description: "Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS): what waivers cover at home, who qualifies, and how to apply in Kansas and Missouri." url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/medicaid-home-care/ updated: 2026-10-09 site: Senior Transition Assistance --- Paying for care # Medicaid home and community-based services: help at home Medicaid isn't only for nursing homes. Through home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, it can pay for help at home for people who would otherwise need nursing home care. Talk it through with a person[ (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388) Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide. Quick answer Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) pay for care at home or in the community for people who meet Medicaid's financial rules and need a nursing home level of care. In Kansas, the KanCare Frail Elderly waiver (65+) can cover personal care, adult day care, medication reminders, emergency response and home modifications; start with the ADRC at 1-855-200-2372. In Missouri, the Aged and Disabled waiver covers homemaker, chore, respite, adult day care and home-delivered meals; call 1-866-835-3505. PACE is another Medicaid option in some areas. **Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently. ## Kansas and Missouri at a glance | | Kansas: Frail Elderly waiver | Missouri: Aged and Disabled waiver | |---|---|---| | Age | 65 and older | 65 and older, or 63 to 64 with a physical disability | | Level of care | Meets the Medicaid nursing facility threshold | Would otherwise need nursing facility care | | Example services | Personal care, adult day care, medication reminders, emergency response, home modifications | Homemaker, chore, respite, adult day care, home-delivered meals | | Family as paid caregiver | Family other than a spouse or legal representative can provide attendant care | See the Structured Family Caregiver waiver for dementia | | Where to start | ADRC, 1-855-200-2372 | DHSS HCBS line, 1-866-835-3505 | Sources: KDADS and Missouri DSS HCBS Waiver Finder. ## How to apply 1. Call the state's starting point above. 2. Your parent gets a functional assessment for level of care. 3. Apply for Medicaid financial eligibility if not already covered. 4. Once approved, a care plan sets up services. ## Things to know - Ask about any waiting list and how many hours of services may be approved. - Waivers generally don't pay rent or food in assisted living. - Each state sets its own financial rules; ask the state agency. ### Need help at home? We'll help you understand Medicaid programs and find care near Kansas City. Free. [ (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form) ## Questions families ask ### Does Medicaid pay for home care? Yes, through HCBS waivers for people who qualify medically and financially. ### How do I apply for Medicaid home care in Kansas? Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-200-2372. ### How do I apply in Missouri? Call the DHSS HCBS line at 1-866-835-3505 or use the online referral form. ### Can a family member be paid? In Kansas, through the Frail Elderly waiver's attendant care, with some limits. In Missouri, through the Structured Family Caregiver waiver for dementia. ## Sources - [KDADS: Frail Elderly (FE) waiver](https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/long-term-services-supports/home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-programs/hcbs-programs/frail-elderly-fe) - [KDADS: Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1-855-200-2372](https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging-and-disability-resource-center) - [Missouri DSS: HCBS Waiver Finder](https://dss.mo.gov/mhd/waiver/mo-hcbs-waiver-finder) - [Missouri DHSS: Apply for Home and Community-Based Services, 1-866-835-3505](https://health.mo.gov/our-programs-services/home-and-community-based-services/apply-home-and-community-based-services) - [Medicare.gov: PACE](https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/other-medicare-health-plans/PACE) ## Related guides - [Paying for it](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/) - [KanCare for seniors](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/locations/kansas/kancare-senior-care/) - [MO HealthNet for seniors](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/locations/missouri/mo-healthnet-senior-care/) - [Paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/) - [PACE](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/pace-program/) - [Bridge loans](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/bridge-loan/) - [How to pay for assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/how-to-pay-for-assisted-living/) - [Life insurance](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/life-insurance/) - [Long-term care insurance](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/long-term-care-insurance/) --- Canonical page: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/medicaid-home-care/