This webpage is intended to assist residents of Missouri in understanding the costs associated with aging and long-term care, such as assisted living, home care, and adult day care, throughout the state. Various financial assistance programs and payment options are explored that aid in caring for the elderly. It can be in the home or in a residential care facility.
While the programs outlined here are comprehensive of what is available from the state of Missouri, it is not comprehensive of what is available on a national level. To find the most appropriate care for your needs and budget, make sure to search for assistance nationwide by using our Resource Locator Tool.
Missouri Eldercare Costs for 2024
Assisted Living / Memory Care
In Missouri, according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2023, the average cost of assisted living statewide is $4,851 / month, which is below the national average of $5,384 / month. The least expensive assisted living in Missouri can be found in Joplin, where the average cost of assisted living per month is $4,120. The most expensive areas for assisted living are Kansas City ($5,475) and Jefferson City ($5,779).
Alzheimer’s care, also referred to as memory care, is available in assisted living facilities for persons with dementia. Due to the higher level of security and supervision, the cost is approximately 20% – 30% greater than traditional assisted living.
Home Care
Per Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the cost of non-medical home care in Missouri averages $32 / hour throughout the state. St. Joseph has the most affordable at $25 / hour. St. Louis ($32), Columbia ($34), and Kansas City ($35) are in line with the state average.
Home health care, which is provided by trained medical professionals, is also available in the state of Missouri. On average, the hourly cost is about $8 more per hour than the cost of home care. However, in the areas of St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City, the price is on average $1 – $3 more per hour.
Adult Day Care
Statewide, the average cost of adult day care in Missouri is $100 / day, as indicated by Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2023. The area of Springfield offers the least expensive day care at $80 / day. The most expensive care is found in Kansas City ($160) and Jefferson City ($248).
Missouri Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Medicaid State Plan
Medicaid is a program that offers health insurance to low-income residents throughout the U.S. While the federal government sets particular guidelines for the program, each state is able to manage the program as they see fit within the parameters set by the government. In Missouri, the Medicaid program is called MO HealthNet. As with the other states, the Missouri state Medicaid plan will cover the cost of nursing home care, as well as some home and community based services.
The Missouri Care Options (MCO) program, part of the state Medicaid plan, provides in-home and community care services to reduce the frequency of nursing home placement. This program is an entitlement, which means that anyone who is eligible is able to receive services. Benefits include personal care assistance, homemaker services, nursing services, adult day care, and respite care.
The Missouri state Medicaid plan allows for self-direction of non-medical personal care assistance via the MO HealthNet Consumer Directed Services program. Friends and select family members can be hired to provide care as long as they are registered with MO HealthNet.
Medicaid Waivers
The state of Missouri also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers. These waivers provide long-term care for those who are elderly and / or disabled. It allows them to live at home or in the community, rather than a nursing home facility. This is a win-win situation, as home and community based care is less expensive than nursing home care. It allows the state to save money, and the individual in question can remain living independently.
The Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) program provides in-home services to seniors who require a nursing home level of care. Benefits include chore services, adult day care, respite care, home delivered meals, and homemaker services. Unlike the MCO program, which is mentioned above, this program is not an entitlement and has limited slots available for eligible applicants.
The Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC) program offers financial assistance to help with the cost of care associated with living in a residential care facility, such as assisted living.
The Independent Living Waiver (ILW) program is intended for adults ages of 18 and 64 who are physically disabled. Although those who enroll in this program before the age of 64 are able to continue to receive services via this waiver past the age of 64. Personal care assistance, home modifications, and specialized medical supplies and equipment are available benefits via the ILW. This waiver allows for self-direction of personal care assistance, meaning seniors can hire the caregiver of their choosing. This includes some family members.
Medicaid Eligibility
Asset Limits
In order to be eligible for Medicaid, level of functioning, assets, and income of the individual are all taken into account. As of 2024, senior applicants are allowed up to $5,909.25 in liquid assets, which refers to cash assets or assets that can easily be converted to cash. However, several assets are considered exempt, or non-countable, toward Medicaid’s asset limit. This includes an individual’s home, given they, or their spouse, live in the home and it is valued under $713,000.
Income Limits
Depending on the Medicaid program, the monthly income limit is set at 85% or 135% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). As of 2024, this amount is equivalent to $1,066.75 and $1,694.25 a month, respectively. Married applicants, with both spouses applying for Medicaid services, are permitted a higher level of income and assets.
Need Help?
If a single applicant or couple is over the allowable income and / or asset amount(s), Medicaid qualification is still possible. However, in this instance, one might want to consult a Medicaid Planning Professional for assistance. Medicaid eligibility can be complicated, and this gives one the best chance of qualifying for Medicaid services. Learn more.
*Eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on the program.
Missouri Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
Missouri’s Pharmacy Assistance program, often referred to as MORx or Missouri Rx, provides financial assistance of up to 50% of co-payments and deductibles on prescription medications. Program participants must be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.
One might also find additional non-medical assistance under the Older Americans Act, available through their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Services often vary based on the area in which one resides and the AAA office that services them. Find your local AAA here.
PACE Programs in Missouri
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.
The PACE program in Missouri provides care services to seniors in the state who require nursing home levels of care but do not currently live in a nursing home. Seniors receive care from providers covered by state Medicare and Medicaid as long as they are:
- Over 55 years old
- Living in the provider’s designated service area (St. Louis)
- Certified by the State of Missouri as meeting care level requirements
- Capable of living safely in the community
How To Get Started With PACE in Missouri
To apply for PACE in Missouri, you need to contact the provider directly who will coordinate with Missouri’s Medicaid organization, MO HealthNet Division (MHD). However, you don’t need to be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare to receive PACE services; they do accept private payment.
Other Financial Options for Care
Along with these state-sponsored options, there are several more ways in which one can receive assistance in paying for care. Other options to consider are programs at the federal level, as well as local and non-profit routes. Our Resource Locator Tool is a great source to use to find such reduced-cost programs and should be utilized to find the program that best meets ones needs.
Finding Affordable Care in Missouri
As one can see from the numbers above, the cost of senior care varies a great deal across the state of Missouri. To best manage the cost of care, one needs to find the most affordable care. Our organization has partnered with several organizations to aid in this search by providing a free service that matches specific care needs with care providers in the area in which one resides. Click here to find affordable care.
