Missouri waives food stamp work requirement, expands Medicaid to COVID-19 patients
Missouri has waived work requirements for food stamps for 90 days and extended Medicaid coverage to eligible Missourians who test positive for COVID-19, all in response to the ongoing pandemic.
The changes, announced Thursday afternoon, are part of a series of policy changes Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said are aimed at ensuring “Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens that their essential needs will be met.”
Medicaid coverage will be available to Missourians ages 19-64 who test positive for COVID-19 and meet the income and resource eligibility guidelines. A spokeswoman for the department did not immediately respond to clarify the guidelines.
In addition to the changes to food stamps and Medicaid eligibility, the state will not terminate eligibility for any Medicaid participant unless the individual requests it or moves out of state.
There will also no longer be a requirement that physicians have a relationship with the patient before providing telehealth services. There will be no co-pay for any services provided by means of telehealth.
Most of the changes will continue through the end the federal emergency declaration tied to COVID-19.
The state is also extending all child care subsidy benefits for 90 days. The program assists eligible Missouri parents and guardians with payments for child care.
“The bottom line is that any Missourian currently receiving Medicaid or child care benefits does not need to do anything at this time for those benefits to continue,” Parson said.
