Medicaid is a key piece of the safety net in Missouri. Known in the state as MO HealthNet, it enables lower-income Missourians to see a doctor when they are sick, get checkups, buy medications, and go to the hospital. Enrollees include children, working families, single adults, older adults, pregnant women, and those with disabilities – almost 1.4 million Missourians currently rely on it.
Medicaid is also a vital part of the state economy. In SFY 2025, Medicaid is expected to bring $12.7 billion in federal funding to Missouri for MO HealthNet. These dollars provide a boost to state general revenue as they flow through the region’s health care system to doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, and other providers and ripple through the state’s economy. The influx of federal funding for MO HealthNet also frees up more state general revenue to go toward other priorities like education and public safety.
As a Foundation, we regularly release Missouri Medicaid Basics, a publication that helps legislators, advocates, the media, and others gain a deeper understanding of this complex program. We’ve also created this At-A-Glance Factsheet to highlight key takeaways.
It’s important to note that we are publishing this year’s edition during a time of unprecedented uncertainty for this and many other safety net programs. The information included is up to date as of January 2025. Our hope is that policymakers and the public become more aware of the economic benefits of Medicaid, as well as just how many people from all backgrounds rely on it to live healthy lives, go to work, and take care of their families.
To learn more about MO HealthNet eligibility and enrollment, covered services, delivery systems, financing and expenditures, and more, read the full Missouri Medicaid Basics 2025 report, or view our factsheet here.
