Issue link: http://accesshealth.uberflip.com/i/1543025
a cce s s H ea l t h N ews . n e t Fe b r u a ry 2 0 2 6 Volume 11 | Issue No. 104 20 M I S S O U R I M E D I C A I D : H O W T O K E E P Y O U R C O V E R A G E U N D E R T H E N E W R U L E S Work & Activity Requirements Adults age 19–64 in Medicaid expansion must complete 80 hours/month of work or approved activities. Must report hours monthly to the state Exemptions: people who are pregnant or disabled, caregivers for young children, and medically frail patients. Apply for exemptions as soon as you qualify—do not wait until you lose coverage. Eligibility Redeterminations Effective July 1, 2026 Medicaid eligibility will be checked every six months (or more often if records don't match). Keep contact info updated with MO HealthNet. Respond to all Family Support Division (FSD) letters right away. Submit proof of income and forms before the deadline to avoid termination. Retroactive Coverage Shortened For most adults, Medicaid will cover only one month of past bills (two months for some groups). Apply as soon as you think you qualify—don't wait for bills to pile up. New Co-Pays for Some Adults Adults with income 100–138% of the Federal Poverty Level may pay up to $35 per service. Ask providers if a co-pay applies before your visit. Start Now to Avoid Coverage Loss Common causes of loss: missing work-report deadlines, ignoring renewal forms, outdated contact info, missing income documents. To prevent this: Sign up for an online FSD account to track status. Mark renewal/reporting dates on your calendar. Keep proof of document submission (email confirmations or certified mail receipts). Reconciliation Bill Changes – Missouri Patient Guide All changes effective January 1, 2027 except where noted Published August 2025