Quick answer
MO HealthNet is Missouri's Medicaid program. For older adults who qualify, it can pay for long-term nursing home care, and home and community-based (HCBS) waivers can pay for help at home. The Aged and Disabled waiver covers homemaker, chore, respite, adult day care and home-delivered meals for people 65 and older (or 63 to 64 with a physical disability) who would otherwise need nursing home care. The Structured Family Caregiver waiver supports live-in family caregivers of people with dementia. Call the HCBS line at 1-866-835-3505 to start.
Waivers older adults often use
| Waiver | Who it's for | Key services |
|---|---|---|
| Aged and Disabled waiver | 65 and older, or 63 to 64 with a physical disability, who would otherwise need nursing facility care | Homemaker, chore, basic and advanced respite, adult day care, home-delivered meals |
| Structured Family Caregiver waiver | 21 and older with Alzheimer's or a related dementia who would otherwise need nursing facility care | Personal care and homemaker services by a live-in primary caregiver, medication oversight, appointment escorting |
Source: Missouri Department of Social Services, HCBS Waiver Finder.
Assisted living and MO HealthNet
Medicaid waivers generally help with care services, not rent and meals. Not every assisted living community works with MO HealthNet, so ask each one directly. See Medicaid and assisted living.
How to apply
- Use the state's online HCBS Waiver Finder to see which programs may fit.
- Call the Department of Health and Senior Services HCBS line at 1-866-835-3505, or submit the online HCBS referral form.
- Apply for MO HealthNet financial eligibility through the Department of Social Services if your parent isn't already covered.
- DHSS assesses care needs and, if eligible, helps set up services.
On the Missouri side of Kansas City
MARC Aging and Adult Services is the Area Agency on Aging for the Missouri side of the metro and can help families understand options.
Need care in Missouri?
We'll help you understand options and find care that fits near Kansas City. Free.
Questions families ask
Does MO HealthNet pay for in-home care for seniors?
Through HCBS waivers such as the Aged and Disabled waiver, for people who qualify.
Does MO HealthNet pay for assisted living?
Waivers may help with some care services but generally not rent and meals. Ask each community.
Can a family member be paid in Missouri?
The Structured Family Caregiver waiver supports a live-in primary caregiver for people with dementia who qualify.
What number do I call to apply?
The DHSS HCBS line, 1-866-835-3505.