What the income limits are
Missouri's Medicaid income limits for 2024 depend on which program you are looking at and your household size. For the main adult Medicaid program, the limit is 100% of the federal poverty level — meaning a single person can earn up to $1,260 per month, or a family of four can earn up to $2,590 per month. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty level updates.
For children, the income limit is higher: 300% of the federal poverty level, which means a family of four can earn up to $7,770 per month and still have their children covered. Pregnant people and parents of young children have their own limits, which also sit at 100% of the federal poverty level in Missouri.
Missouri also runs a separate program called MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and Children, which covers pregnant people and children up to age 19 at 300% of the federal poverty level. This is different from the main adult program and has its own income rules.
Key Takeaways
- Single adults in Missouri can earn up to $1,260 per month in 2024 to may have access to for the main Medicaid program; a family of four can earn up to $2,590 per month.
- Children in Missouri can be covered under Medicaid if their household earns up to 300% of the federal poverty level, which is $7,770 per month for a family of four.
- Income limits change every January when the federal poverty level is updated, so the 2025 limits will be different from 2024.
- Missouri counts only gross income before taxes and does not subtract child care costs, medical expenses, or other deductions when determining whether you fall within the limit.
How Missouri counts your income
When Missouri checks your income against the limit, they count gross income — the money you earn before taxes are taken out. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. If you are married and filing jointly, both spouses' income counts toward the household total.
Missouri does not subtract expenses like rent, utilities, child care, or medical bills from your income before comparing it to the limit. They also do not subtract taxes or payroll deductions. The only income that does not count is certain types of assistance: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are excluded, as are some other state and federal benefits.
If your income changes during the month, Missouri uses the income from the month you apply. If you are self-employed or your income varies, they may average your income over the past three months or use your most recent month, depending on the program.
Income limits by household size
| Household Size | Adult Medicaid (100% FPL) | Children/Pregnant (300% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,260/month | $3,780/month |
| 2 people | $1,695/month | $5,085/month |
| 3 people | $2,130/month | $6,390/month |
| 4 people | $2,590/month | $7,770/month |
| 5 people | $3,025/month | $9,075/month |
| 6 people | $3,460/month | $10,380/month |
These figures are based on the 2024 federal poverty level and will change in January 2025. If your household is larger than six people, add $435 per person for the adult limit and $1,305 per person for the children's limit.
What happens if you earn slightly over the limit
If your income is above the limit, you may still have options. Missouri has a program called the Medically Needy pathway, which allows people whose income is above the limit to "spend down" their excess income on medical bills. Once you have paid enough medical expenses to bring your countable income down to the limit, you become covered.
For example, if you earn $2,800 per month as a single person and the limit is $1,260, you would need to have $1,540 in medical bills in the month you apply. Once those bills are paid, your countable income drops to $1,260 and you can be covered for the rest of that month and the following month.
The Medically Needy program is not available for all groups — it applies mainly to pregnant people, children, and people over 65 or with disabilities. Ask the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services whether your situation qualifies.
When income limits change and how to stay informed
Missouri updates its income limits every January 1st when the federal poverty level is announced. The limits usually increase by a small amount each year, though the exact increase depends on inflation. In 2024, the limits increased from 2023 because the federal poverty level went up.
If you are already receiving Medicaid, a small increase in the income limit will not cause you to lose coverage. However, if your own income rises above the new limit, you may be asked to report that change. You should report any income change within 30 days to avoid overpayment issues.
You can find the current income limits on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website, or you can call your local Family Support Division office to ask what the limits are for your household size and situation.
Income limits for specific groups
Missouri has different income rules for different groups. Parents and caretakers of children can earn up to 100% of the federal poverty level. People who are blind or have disabilities can earn up to 100% of the federal poverty level under the main program, but they may also be able to work and keep some of their earnings under a program called Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).
People over 65 can earn up to 100% of the federal poverty level. Pregnant people are covered at 100% of the federal poverty level. Children and teenagers up to age 19 are covered at 300% of the federal poverty level, which is much higher than the adult limit.
If you are not sure which group you fall into, the Family Support Division can tell you which income limit applies to you based on your age, household composition, and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri count child support I receive as income?
Yes, child support counts as income when Missouri determines whether you fall within the Medicaid limit. If you receive $300 per month in child support, that $300 is added to your other income. Child support you pay out does not reduce your countable income.
What if my income goes over the limit after I am already covered?
You must report the income change to your local Family Support Division office within 30 days. If your income stays above the limit for a full month, your Medicaid coverage will end. However, you will usually receive a notice before your coverage ends, giving you time to report the change or appeal if you believe the information is wrong.
Do student loans or financial aid count toward the income limit?
Student loans do not count as income because you have to repay them. However, if you receive a grant or scholarship that you do not have to repay, that money may count as income depending on how it is structured. Contact your local office to ask about your specific situation.
Can I reduce my countable income by claiming more dependents or filing taxes differently?
No. Missouri counts gross income before taxes and does not allow you to reduce it based on how you file your taxes or how many dependents you claim. The income limit is based on actual money earned, not on your tax filing status.
What if I work part-time and my hours change every week?
Missouri will average your income over the past three months or use your most recent month of pay, depending on the program. If your hours are very irregular, bring recent pay stubs showing your actual earnings so the office can see the pattern and make a fair decision about your average income.