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accessHealthNews.net
January 2022
Volume 8 | Issue No. 53
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L
ast year, Missouri expanded Medicaid
coverage guidelines to include an
estimated more than 275,000 newly eligible
adults. The new requirements allow for those
who have previously fallen through the
cracks to now receive low-cost or even free
coverage for routine services, emergency
care, mental health care, addiction services,
and more. However, Missouri's fumbled
expansion rollout created confusion, resulting
in tens of thousands of now eligible adults to
believe they still aren't covered for the care
they deserve.
For the newly enrolled Missourians who have
taken advantage of the changes, Medicaid
through MO HealthNet has proven to be a
dream come true. Patients avoiding care
due to fear of the hospital bill are now able to
comfortably manage their health. Improved
individual investment in patient health also
eases burdens on health providers, both
by improving illness and injury overall and
by retaining emergency resources and
subsequent costs.
HCC Network Community Health Worker
Shelly Harden helps combat the confusion
surrounding Medicaid by educating
communities in rural Missouri about the new
guideline changes. As a certified application
counselor, Harden also assists patients
applying for Medicaid, food stamps, and
Social Security Disability, as well as provides
resources such as legal aid.
THE WAIT FOR AFFORDABLE CARE IS OVER
Since the expansion, Harden has seen an
influx of patients eager to enroll in Missouri
Medicaid. "I have had several clients that
have just been waiting to get approved for
the expansion because they have been
having long-term medical conditions that they
haven't been able to get in and get care for,"
she said. "Being able to have insurance and
have those issues treated or even diagnosed is
tremendous."
According to Harden, many patients have
put off various tests and procedures against
doctor's suggestions simply due to financial
concerns. Delaying routine and especially
urgent exams and procedures can lead to
long-term complications, eventually worsening
the financial burden as well as adding stress.
When the barrier to affordable health
insurance is removed, doctors are able to
care for their patients consistently, knowing
their patients are going to show up and
follow through with routine medicine and
recommendations. This lessens the risk of
negative health outcomes while allowing
hospitals and health facilities to reserve more
emergency resources and funds for future
crises, a pertinent concern as the COVID-19
pandemic continues to overwhelm local
hospitals.
Eligibility for Medicaid through MO HealthNet depends on your income, age, health,
and individual needs. You may be newly eligible if you are a(n):
• Parent or caretaker with a child (under age 19).
• Woman (age 19-55) with no health insurance.
• Adult (age 19-64) without disabilities.
• Woman (under age 65) with breast or cervical cancer.
• Person with disabilities.
