Page Reviewed / Updated – Nov. 12, 2023

Program Description

Missouri’s Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC) is a financial assistance program from MO HealthNet (Medicaid). It is a cash benefit to help the elderly who are frail, blind, and/or disabled to pay for costs associated with residential care, most relevantly to help with the cost of assisted living. Eligibility requirements include monthly income and asset limits.

Payments to a recipient vary per the type of facility in which an individual resides. Individuals in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) receive almost twice as much support as do individuals who live in Residential Care Facilities (RCFs).

Supplemental Nursing Care is one of several programs operated by MO HealthNet (formerly known as the Division of Medical Services). Eligibility is determined by the Family Support Division (FSD). Both are divisions are within Missouri’s Department of Social Services (DSS).

Eligibility Guidelines

General Requirements

Age – Candidates must be at least 21 years of age.

Residency – Candidates must be legal Missouri residents. 

Place of Residence – Candidates must reside in an assisted living residence or residential care facility to receive the benefit. It is not a requirement that the residence accept Medicaid. 

Care Needs – Applicants must require the level of care typically provided in a nursing facility.

Financial Requirements

Income Limits
Unlike other Medicaid programs in Missouri, there is not a set income limit. To be financially eligible, a participant’s income must be less than the cost of a their stay at a residential care facility, assisted living facility, or nursing home charge.

Income Limits
Applicants must have less than $5,726 in countable assets, which exclude the value of a home, if occupied by a spouse. A couple with both spouses as applicants cannot have assets in excess of $11,452. There is a five-year Medicaid Look-Back Period for assets to determine whether anything of value has been sold or transferred for less than market value. If one is found to be in violation of this look-back period, one may be ineligible for Medicaid for a period of time. Learn more about how Medicaid views assets of married couples here.

These criteria are approximate and for planning purposes. As mentioned above, final eligibility is conducted by the Family Support Division (FSD). If one has income and / or assets above the income limit(s), it is highly recommended that advice be sought from a professional Medicaid Planner.

Benefits and Services

As of 2023, Supplemental Nursing Care pays up to $292 per month for care in assisted living and up to $156 per month for residential care facilities. This program also offers up to $50 a month for a personal needs allowance.

Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator

  • Discover all of your options
  • Search over 400 Programs

How to Apply / Learn More

Contact your local Family Support Division county office for more information. A list can be found here.

The state hotline number for the Family Services Division is 1-855-373-4636.  There is also a 24-hour number with an automated response 7 days a week at 1-800-392-1261.