Public Programs and Services

See the links below to learn more about valuable resources in our community.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government program that provides public health coverage to children and adults who have low incomes or disabilities. In Missouri, Medicaid is run by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and is called MO HealthNet.

Most Missourians who get MO HealthNet coverage are people with low incomes, 65 or older, blind or disabled, or children from families with low incomes. If you qualify depends on how much money you make and how many people are in your family. Children, their parents, people with disabilities, and people age 65 or older are covered by Medicaid at different income levels. Click here to learn if you are eligible for MO HealthNet coverage.

You can apply online, by phone, or in person. You only need to fill out one application. To apply online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit healthcare.gov.
  2. Create an account, or login to an existing account. Give your name, address, and other basic information.
  3. Fill out the application.
  4. Compare plans and choose the plan that best meets your needs.
  5. Pay your first monthly premium.

To apply by phone, call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

To apply with in-person or virtual help, click here to find a location near you or call the Cover Missouri call center at 1-800-466-3213. To complete the application, you need to give information about yourself and your family, including:

  • Household income.
  • Number of people in your family.
  • Any health insurance you currently have (if you do not have any, that’s okay).
  • Information about your employer, if you or anyone in your household has a job.

Based on the information you give, you may qualify for:

  • Medicaid or CHIP and ask if you want to apply for that coverage.
  • A premium tax credit to lower health insurance premiums.
  • Cost-sharing reductions to lower out-of-pocket costs.

If you applied for healthcare coverage, MO HealthNet will often need additional information to process your application. Sometimes this process can take several months. If you do not get any response after 45 days, contact MO HealthNet to ask about the status of your application.

Once your application is processed, you will get a letter telling you if you are eligible for healthcare coverage or not. If you are approved, you will receive a MO HealthNet Identification Card and information explaining the type of services and coverage you have. You will need to follow the instructions in this letter for your coverage to begin.

Make sure to keep copies of any letters or information you provide or that MO HealthNet sends to you. Always respond by the deadlines indicated or your application will be stopped, and you may have to start from the beginning.

APPLY ONLINE
Medicaid Resources

SNAP or Food Stamps

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers a monthly benefit to help buy food and food products.

To apply or manage your SNAP benefits visit the Department of Social Services (DSS) website.

      • It is required to complete an interview if you are a new applicant, or you get SNAP benefits and receive a recertification form. The Missouri Family Support Division will call the number you put on your application. If you are subscribed to get text notifications, you will get a text message the day they plan to call. Answering this call is the fastest way to complete your interview. Answer all the automated questions.

If you miss the SNAP interview

      • Visit your local resource center to complete your interview in-person. Please check the hours of operation before planning your visit. For the quickest service, we also recommend you schedule an appointment before your visit.
      • Call back at 855-823-4908 (calling earlier in the day is best).

For more information about how to complete your interview, review the SNAP FAQs

Once you are approved for SNAP, you will get your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. Your monthly benefit will be loaded on this card. You can check the Monthly EBT benefit schedule to see what day your benefit will be loaded to your card every month. Your EBT card will work much like a debit card, and you will have a PIN number you will need to enter. To set up – or change – your EBT pin number, please call the EBT vendor help desk at 800-997-7777. You can use your EBT card in any grocery store or retail location in the United States that displays the Quest Mark® logo or online at approved locations.

SNAP Resources

WIC Info

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides food assistance, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health care referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents may also apply for benefits for the children living in their household.

      • To apply for WIC benefits, you must contact a WIC local agency. If you would like help finding a local agency or enrolling in WIC, call the Missouri WIC Participant Support Line: 800-392-8209 or send an email to WICInfo@health.mo.gov. 
      • WIC services may now be offered by phone, drive-up, mail or online. Call your local WIC agency to see how they’re operating.

To see if you qualify for the Missouri WIC program, go to the income guidelines or the prescreen tool for further information.

Already qualified for WIC Benefits? Click here to view our WicShopper App videos.

WIC Resources

School Meals

Your child(ren) may be eligible for free or reduced price meals at school. Even if your school is offering free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2021-2022 school year, families are still encouraged to fill out a Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.  A new application must be filled out every year to qualify.   

There are several ways to apply for free and reduced price school meals: 

      1. Some schools offer an online application. Click here to check for your child’s school district and submit your application through the online portal.
      2. Go to your child’s school district’s website and check for an application, likely on the nutrition services page.
      3. Contact your school district directly by phone or e-mail to receive an application. 
School Meals Resources