Understanding Missouri's Medicaid Waiver Waitlist
Too many Missourians with disabilities are waiting for the supports they need.
MODDC’s “Medicaid Waiver Waitlist: What to Know & What to Do” Campaign will help educate and inform the DD community about what they need to know about the Medicaid Waitlist.
We also want to learn from YOU! MODDC will be including a story-collecting portal where you can share your experiences with the Medicaid Waiver Waitlist.
What is the Medicaid Waiver Waitlist in Missouri?
Many Missourians with disabilities qualify for Medicaid waiver services—but hundreds are still waiting to receive them.
The Medicaid Waiver Waitlist is a list of people who are eligible for home- and community-based services but cannot access them yet because Missouri limits the number of funded service slots.
These services help people live independently, stay healthy, and participate in their communities. Being on the waitlist means a person qualifies—but must wait, sometimes for years, for support to begin.
Advocates say the waitlist affects health, independence, and families across the state. For many, waiver services are the key to living at home and staying connected to their communities. Some family members experience being underemployed or unemployed while they care for a loved one waiting for the services they need.
Why does the Waitlist exist?
The waitlist exists because funding and staffing have not kept pace with the growing need for services. Even when someone completes an assessment and qualifies, services may not be available.
Are you on the Medicaid Waiver Waitlist?
Anyone who has applied for waiver services or completed an assessment should contact their regional office or case manager and ask directly, “Am I on the Medicaid Waiver Waitlist?” It is also important to ask which waiver you are listed under and the date you were placed on the list.
To be added to the waitlist, individuals must apply for Missouri Medicaid, request a waiver assessment, and complete the evaluation. If services are not available, applicants should be formally placed on the waitlist and receive confirmation.
How Do You Get on the Waitlist?
STEP 1: Apply for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
You have 3 options:
- Online: mydss.mo.gov
- Phone: 1-855-373-4636
- In person: Visit your local DMH Regional Center
STEP 2: Ask for a waiver referral
Once you have Medicaid, request home care services at 1-800-207-9329.
STEP 3: Complete an assessment
Someone will visit to check your care needs. This determines your priority level.
The whole process can take over three months.
How to Check Your Waitlist Status
How do I check if I’m on the waitlist?
- Call your Regional Office or Targeted Case Manager
- Ask which waiver you’re listed under
- Ask for your waitlist date and priority level
- Write down who you spoke with and when.
Knowing your status is the first step to advocating for services.
