Paying for a nursing home with Medicaid in Missouri
Missouri's Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, pays for long-term nursing home care for people who qualify. Here are the 2026 limits, how to apply, and where to find homes that take it.
Who qualifies
Need for care
A doctor and the state must certify that you need nursing facility care, and you must live in a Medicaid-certified bed. Source
Assets
From July 1, 2026, a single person can have up to $6,220.50 in countable resources, up from $6,068.80. Homes must warn you when you're within $200 of the limit. Source
Income
Nearly all income goes toward the nursing home. You keep $50 a month for personal needs, plus health insurance premiums and any amount set aside for a spouse or dependents. Source
Gifts and transfers
The state reviews transfers made in the 60 months before you apply. Giving away assets for less than they're worth can delay coverage. Source
If your spouse lives at home
Federal spousal impoverishment rules protect part of a couple's savings and income for the spouse who stays at home. The 2026 federal standards are below; the exact amount depends on your situation. Source
- Protected savings, minimum$32,532
- Protected savings, maximum$162,660
- Monthly income allowance, minimum (from July 1, 2026)$2,705
- Monthly income allowance, maximum$4,066.50
How to apply
1. Preadmission screening
Before entering a Medicaid-certified bed, the nursing home or hospital completes a screening to confirm the level of care you need. Source
2. Apply to MO HealthNet
Apply online at myDSS, through the Family Support Division, or by phone at 855-373-4636. Nursing home applicants also file a supplemental form. Source
3. Gather records
Expect to show bank statements, income, insurance and property records. A decision usually takes 45 to 90 days.
4. Confirm a bed
Certification means a home can bill Medicaid, not that a Medicaid bed is open. Call the homes on your list and ask.
Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare pays only for short skilled nursing stays after at least a three-day inpatient hospital stay. Medicaid pays for long-term nursing home care once you qualify.
- Medicare, days 1 to 20$0 a day
- Medicare, days 21 to 100$217 a day
- Medicare, after day 100All costs
- Medicaid, long staysIncome minus $50
2026 Medicare amounts. medicare.gov
Medicaid homes in Missouri
From CMS Provider Data and our Scorecard score. 477 homes are Medicaid-certified and 10 are not.
Medicaid-certified homes by score
468 scored homes, average 54.
Homes not certified for Medicaid
4 scored homes, average 74. A small group, so compare with care.
Find Medicaid homes near you
- Boonville8 of 8 accept Medicaid
- Cape Girardeau10 of 10 accept Medicaid
- Chillicothe20 of 20 accept Medicaid
- Columbia9 of 9 accept Medicaid
- De Soto11 of 11 accept Medicaid
- Dexter15 of 15 accept Medicaid
- Farmington15 of 15 accept Medicaid
- Festus10 of 10 accept Medicaid
- Fulton13 of 13 accept Medicaid
- Hannibal15 of 15 accept Medicaid
- Jefferson City10 of 10 accept Medicaid
- Joplin20 of 20 accept Medicaid
- Kansas City58 of 60 accept Medicaid
- Maryville8 of 8 accept Medicaid
- Moberly12 of 12 accept Medicaid
- Nevada16 of 16 accept Medicaid
- Osage Beach18 of 19 accept Medicaid
- Poplar Bluff9 of 9 accept Medicaid
- Rolla11 of 12 accept Medicaid
- Salem7 of 7 accept Medicaid
- Sedalia9 of 9 accept Medicaid
- Sikeston10 of 10 accept Medicaid
- Springfield21 of 24 accept Medicaid
- St. Joseph16 of 16 accept Medicaid
- St. Louis94 of 97 accept Medicaid
- Warrensburg14 of 14 accept Medicaid
- West Plains18 of 18 accept Medicaid
Medicaid questions
Figures from official state and federal sources, linked above.
What is the Missouri Medicaid asset limit for nursing home care?
From July 1, 2026, a single person can have up to $6,220.50 in countable resources for MO HealthNet nursing home coverage.
How much income can I keep in a Missouri nursing home on Medicaid?
You keep a $50 monthly personal needs allowance, plus health insurance premiums and any amount set aside for a spouse or dependents. The rest goes toward the home.
Is there a look-back period?
Yes. Missouri reviews asset transfers made in the 60 months before you apply. Transfers for less than fair value can cause a penalty period.
How much can a spouse at home keep?
Under 2026 federal standards, protected savings for the spouse at home range from $32,532 to $162,660, and the monthly income allowance from $2,705 to $4,066.50.
Does Medicare pay for long-term nursing home care?
No. Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing after a qualifying hospital stay. In 2026 you pay $0 for days 1 to 20 and $217 a day for days 21 to 100.
How many Missouri nursing homes accept Medicaid?
477 of 487 Medicare-certified nursing homes in Missouri are also certified for Medicaid, according to CMS.