To be eligible for this program, applicants must be Missouri residents who are 18 years of age or older, and are able and willing to direct their own care. They must be physically disabled, and unable to perform daily routine activities, such as bathing oneself, dressing, and preparing meals, and must require the level of care that is provided in a nursing home. In addition, they must currently be enrolled in MO HealthNet.
MO HealthNet eligibility is dependent on the age, income, and sometimes the countable assets, of the candidate. The income limit for a single or widowed senior in 2019 is $885 per month. Married couples are allowed a slightly higher monthly income of $1,198. (These figures are equivalent to 85% of the Federal Poverty Level.) Further, there is a $4,000 asset limit for individual seniors who want to enroll in MO HealthNet. Married couples are allowed up to $8,000 in assets. Some assets are considered exempt (non-countable) and include one’s home (given the applicant or their spouse lives in the home and the equity value is not greater than $585,000), household items, personal goods, and a motor vehicle.
Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Medicaid-based program that provides personal care attendant (PCA) services to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to live independently.
Participants in the CDS program are trained to hire attendants to assist them with tasks of daily living. The tasks may include bathing/showering, toileting, obtaining medication, meal preparation and cleanup, housekeeping/laundry and essential transportation.
The CDS program is designed to assist people with disabilities with receiving the attendant services needed to safely live in a home setting of their choice instead of living in a more restrictive institutional environment.
CDS program is consumer controlled. A main component of consumer control is that the person who receives CDS is the employer of the attendant. CDS program participants are responsible for locating, hiring, setting work schedules and managing attendants. A qualified friend or family member may be hired as an attendant with the exception of a spouse or anyone under the age of 18.
Find Out If You Qualify
(314)801-7692
What is MO HealthNet?
Missouri’s Medicaid program is called MO HealthNet. MO HealthNet covers qualified medical expenses for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligible individuals receive a “MO HealthNet Identification Card” or a letter from the Family Support Division identifying them as eligible for certain medical care services.
If You Need To Enroll In Mo Healthnet Start Here
If you are not currently enrolled in MO HealthNet, you must apply via DHSS. You can do so by calling 855-373-4636 or click the link below to download the MO HealthNet application.