Many immigrants living
in Missouri may now
qualify for Medicaid.
The rules have changed. More people can now
get low-cost or free health insurance through
Missouri Medicaid (called MO HealthNet).
With health insurance through Medicaid, you can
get the care you need when you need it. Medicaid
covers doctor visits, yearly checkups, prescription
medicines, and more.
Many lawfully present immigrants are eligible for Medicaid. This includes Lawful
Permanent Residents (also known as green card holders), refugees, and asylees.
Here are the top fi ve things to know about Medicaid if you are an immigrant living
in Missouri:
Do immigrants qualify for Medicaid in Missouri?
Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible to
apply for Medicaid starting fi ve years after
their date of entry. Other immigration
statuses are also eligible.
For a full list of eligible immigration
statuses, visit: https://bit.ly/2YvO7df.
01
Refugees and asylees who qualify for Medicaid
can apply immediately after coming to live in
Missouri—they do not need to wait fi ve years.
Newly arriving refugees who do not qualify
for Medicaid are eligible for short-term health
insurance called Refugee Medical Assistance
(RMA). RMA lasts for up to eight months
after arrival.
02
Powered by Missouri Foundation for Health | Updated April 2023
To apply, visit mydss.mo.gov or call the FSD Call Center at 855-373-4636 or 855-373-9994.
To get free help to apply, visit CoverMissouri.org/help or call 1-800-466-3213.
How can I apply for Medicaid in Missouri?
The 2019 public charge rule is no longer in e ect.
This means you can apply for and get Medicaid
without worrying about its e ect on your
immigration status.
03
If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you may be
able to get private health insurance through the
website HealthCare.gov. As a lawfully present
immigrant, you may qualify for savings and
lower costs on health insurance.
05
You may need to submit one or more immigration documents to apply for Medicaid. The
documents you need depend on your immigration status. Examples of documents include:
• Permanent Resident Card or “green card”
• Re-entry Permit
• Refugee Travel Document
• Employment Authorization Document
• Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV)
04
Powered by Missouri Foundation for Health | Updated April 2023
On your application, you only need to include documents and personal information
for the people in your household who are applying for Medicaid. You will not be
asked for documents for family members who are not applying for Medicaid.
