How newly eligible Missourians can apply for Medicaid

By Steve Kraske,

Published October 14, 2021 at 5:18 AM CDT

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Closeup of a standing medical worker's latex-gloved hand resting on the hand of female patient seated on an examination table in a blue hospital gown. — Missouri's Medicaid expansion has resulted in the new eligibility of roughly 50,000 Kansas City area residents.

The battle for the expansion of Medicaid in Missouri ended in August as the application process opened making 275,000 additional state residents eligible for health coverage.

Right now, according to Jim Torres of Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, the biggest obstacle with the program is a lack of awareness; many patients simply don't know that they now meet the criteria to use this insurance.

So, what steps need to be taken by eligible Missourians in order to sign up for Medicaid?

People who now qualify for MO HealthNet, Missouri's Medicaid program, can apply for the program via this portal. If someone needs assistance signing up, free help is also available.

Up To Date was joined by Torres to break down how to apply for Medicaid and answer questions about the different kinds of health insurance services that MO HealthNet offers.

Jim Torres, program manager of health insurance services at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center