Where to Start Your Medicaid Application
In Missouri, you apply for Medicaid through the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Division of Medical Services. You have three ways to submit your application: online through the MO HealthNet portal, by mail, or in person at your local Family Support Division office.
The online portal at motax.mo.gov is the fastest route. You create an account, fill out the application, and upload documents directly. Processing typically takes 30 to 45 days from the date DHSS receives a complete application. If you mail your application, send it to the address listed on the form — processing takes longer because of mail delays.
You can also walk into your county's Family Support Division office with a completed application and documents. Staff there can answer questions on the spot and tell you immediately if anything is missing. Find your local office at dss.mo.gov under "Find an Office."
Key Takeaways
- You must have a Missouri address and Social Security number to apply; citizenship or legal residency status is also required.
- Income limits vary by household size and family structure, and you will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove income.
- The online application at motax.mo.gov is faster than mail, and you can upload documents directly without printing or visiting an office.
- Processing takes 30 to 45 days once DHSS has all required documents, and you will receive written notice of approval or denial by mail.
- If you are denied, you have 30 days to request a hearing and present additional information to challenge the decision.
Income and Household Size Limits
Missouri Medicaid income limits depend on your household size and whether you are applying as a parent, child, pregnant person, or disabled adult. The limits change each year on July 1st based on federal poverty guidelines.
For example, in 2024, a single adult with no children has a different limit than a parent with two children. A parent caring for children typically has a higher income limit than a childless adult. Disabled adults and seniors have separate pathways with their own limits. You can see current limits on the DHSS website, but the exact number for your situation depends on your household composition.
Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support. It does not include food stamps, housing vouchers, or some types of assistance. If your income is above the limit, you may still be found to have a spend-down option, meaning you can use medical bills to reduce your countable income — but this applies only to certain categories.
Documents You Need Before You Apply
Gather these items before you start your application. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance DHSS will ask you to resubmit.
| Document Type | What DHSS Needs |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days |
| Proof of Income | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax return from last year, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your salary |
| Social Security Number | Your own SSN and the SSN of anyone in your household applying for coverage |
| Citizenship or Legal Residency | Birth certificate, passport, green card, or visa documentation |
| Proof of Disability (if applying as disabled) | Award letter from Social Security, medical records, or doctor's statement |
If you are self-employed, bring your last two years of tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement for the current year. If you receive child support or alimony, bring the court order and recent payment records. If you are a student, bring proof of enrollment.
The Online Application Step-by-Step
Go to motax.mo.gov and select "Apply for MO HealthNet." You will create a login using your email address and a password. Keep this login — you will use it to check your application status and renew coverage later.
The application asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and household information. List everyone living in your home, their relationship to you, and their income. Be accurate with dates and amounts; errors can delay processing or cause denial.
When you reach the document upload section, you can photograph your documents with a phone or scan them. Upload each document clearly — blurry or sideways images may be rejected. The system tells you which documents are required and which are optional for your situation.
After you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Write it down. You can log back in anytime to check your status. DHSS will send you a letter in the mail with a decision within 30 to 45 days. If they need more information, they will mail you a request with a deadline — usually 10 days to respond.
What Happens After You Submit
DHSS reviews your application for completeness first. If documents are missing or unclear, they send a written request asking you to provide them by a specific date. You can mail them back, upload them through your online account, or bring them to your local office.
Once your application is complete, DHSS verifies your income, citizenship, and residency. They may contact your employer or check Social Security records. This verification step usually takes two to three weeks.
You will receive a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, your notice tells you your coverage start date and your member ID number. If denied, the notice explains why and tells you how to request a hearing. Coverage typically starts on the first day of the month after approval, though some categories have different start dates.
If Your Application Is Denied
A denial notice lists the specific reason — for example, income too high, missing documents, or failure to verify citizenship. Read it carefully. The notice also includes instructions for requesting a hearing.
You have 30 days from the date on the denial letter to request a hearing. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person at your local Family Support Division office. At the hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, or correct information DHSS has wrong. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one.
If you were denied because of missing documents, reapply immediately with everything included. If you were denied because of income, ask DHSS whether a spend-down option exists for your category. If you disagree with how DHSS counted your income or household size, the hearing is your chance to challenge that decision.
Renewing Your Coverage Each Year
Missouri Medicaid coverage lasts 12 months. DHSS will mail you a renewal form about 30 days before your coverage ends. You must return it with updated income and household information by the deadline on the form, or your coverage will stop.
You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Renewing online is fastest. If your income or household has not changed, the renewal is simple — you confirm the information and submit. If anything has changed, report it on the renewal form.
If you miss the deadline, your coverage ends. You can reapply at any time, but there will be a gap in coverage. If you have a major life change — job loss, birth, marriage, or move — report it to DHSS right away rather than waiting for renewal. Changes can affect your coverage or income limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. A Social Security number is required for you and for anyone in your household you want to cover. If you do not have one, you must apply for one through the Social Security Administration before you can apply for Medicaid. This can take several weeks.
What if my income changes after I am approved?
Report the change to DHSS within 30 days. If your income goes up, you may lose coverage or have to pay a premium, depending on how much it increased. If your income goes down, you may become covered in a different category with better benefits. Call your local Family Support Division office or log into your online account to report changes.
How long does it take to get a Medicaid card after approval?
DHSS mails your card within 7 to 10 days of approval. Your coverage starts on the date listed in your approval letter, even if the card has not arrived yet. You can use your member ID number from the approval letter at the doctor or pharmacy while you wait for the physical card.
Can I apply for my children only, or do I have to include myself?
You can apply for your children without applying for yourself. Children have their own income limits, which are usually higher than adult limits. If you are the parent or guardian, you provide your information on the application, but you do not have to be covered yourself.
What if I was denied before — can I reapply?
Yes. If circumstances have changed — your income is lower, you now have proof of citizenship, or your household size is different — you can reapply. Include the new or corrected information. If nothing has changed, reapplying will likely result in the same denial.