Lack of insurance coverage can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services, and it can also result in financial hardship for those who need medical treatment. That’s why so many families and individuals are searching for free health insurance in Missouri.

Missouri, like many other states in the U.S., has a high percentage of uninsured individuals. According to the Missouri Foundation for Health, approximately 13% of Missouri residents under the age of 65 do not have health insurance coverage. 

Fortunately, Missouri offers several free or low-cost health insurance options that can provide a safety net for those in need. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the free health insurance options available in Missouri, who qualifies for these programs, and how to apply for them.

Medicaid

Medicaid is about the closest thing to free health insurance in Missouri. It is a state-run program that provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Missouri, Medicaid is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and the program is called MO HealthNet.

MO HealthNet covers a broad range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and mental health services. The program also covers preventive services such as screenings and vaccines.

Until July 1, 2021, Missouri had strict eligibility criteria for Medicaid, which limited access to the program. However, following a voter-approved ballot initiative in August 2020, Missouri expanded Medicaid to cover individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). This means that anyone with an income below $17,774 per year for a single person or $36,570 per year for a family of four can now qualify for Medicaid in Missouri.

To apply for Medicaid in Missouri, you can visit the MO HealthNet website or contact your local DSS office.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federally-funded program that provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage to children in families with low incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid. In Missouri, CHIP is called MO HealthNet for Kids.

MO HealthNet for Kids covers a broad range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and dental and vision care. The program also covers preventive services such as screenings and vaccines.

To qualify for MO HealthNet for Kids in Missouri, children must be under the age of 19 and come from families with incomes below a certain threshold. As of 2021, the income limit for a family of four is $51,520 per year.

To apply for MO HealthNet for Kids, you can visit the MO HealthNet website or contact your local DSS office.

Community Health Centers

Community health centers are non-profit organizations that provide primary healthcare services to underserved communities. Missouri has several community health centers, which offer services on a sliding fee scale. This means that patients pay what they can afford based on their income.

Community health centers offer a broad range of healthcare services, including primary care, dental care, mental health services, and prescription drugs. Some community health centers may also offer additional services such as health education and case management.

While it’s not free health insurance in Missouri, Community Health Clinics are a tremendous resource for those seeking to save as much money as possible. To find a community health center near you in Missouri, you can visit the Missouri Primary Care Association’s website.

Free Clinics

Free clinics are nonprofit organizations that provide healthcare services to uninsured or underinsured individuals. In Missouri, there are several free clinics that offer a range of healthcare services, including primary care, dental care, and mental health services. Some free clinics also provide specialty care, such as cardiology or dermatology.

Most free clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and patients may need to wait for several hours to be seen by a healthcare provider. However, the services provided at free clinics are usually free or low-cost, making them an excellent option for those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services.

Free clinics, while not free health insurance for Missouri, may also provide other services, such as health education, prescription assistance, and referrals to specialists. Some free clinics operate mobile clinics that travel to rural or underserved areas to provide healthcare services to those who cannot travel to a clinic.

To find a free clinic near you, individuals can visit the Missouri Association of Free and Charitable Clinics website or call their toll-free number at 1-888-840-7811. It is important to note that while free clinics can provide essential healthcare services, they may not be able to provide all the care that a person needs. If a patient requires more advanced or specialized care, they may need to be referred to a hospital or specialist.

How Does 180 Healthcare Fit into the Free Health Insurance, Missouri Picture?

While 180 Healthcare is neither health insurance nor free, our memberships do provide an incredible amount of value and savings for one, low-cost monthly subscription. Our Primary plan is just $79/mo for individuals and only $10/mo for kids who are added to the plan. That includes:

• Unlimited 24/7 Primary Care Doctors With No Copay & No Deductible
• Free Dermatology Visits
• Prescription Discounts
• Discounted Labs & Imaging
• Discounted Dental, Vision, Chiropractic & Physical Therapy
• Discounts at restaurants, salons and retail

Our 24/7 Telehealth-only plan is just $15/mo for the entire family. And our plans don’t stop there. We also offer affordable preventative care plans and cost-effective healthshare plans for larger medical expenses. You can learn all about our plans here, or if you don’t know what you need, we have a handy healthcare optimizer quiz to help you decide.

Conclusion

There are several options for free health insurance in Missouri for individuals and families with low incomes. Medicaid and MO HealthNet for Kids provide comprehensive healthcare benefits to eligible individuals and children. Community health centers and free clinics offer reduced-cost healthcare services to underserved communities. It is important for individuals to explore all of their options and determine which program is best for them. If you have any questions about these programs or the application process, you can contact the MO HealthNet hotline at 1-855-373-4636 or visit the Missouri Department of Social Services website.