MISSOURI — This summer, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) will launch a new Specialty Health Plan, called Show Me Healthy Kids, to help provide unified healthcare coverage to youth who are in DSS custody, former foster children, and for individuals receiving adoption assistance payments. This specialized managed care plan, which will be administered by Home State Health, will allow some of the most vulnerable members of MO HealthNet to access a care network specifically designed to meet their needs.
“The Department of Social Services is committed to making sure that youth in our care have access to the healthcare services they need,” said Todd Richardson, MO HealthNet Division Director. “While our intention is to ensure consistent coverage for those who qualify through a single, specialized plan, we are incredibly thankful to all of our Managed Care Organizations for their continued dedication in providing healthcare coverage to Missouri citizens.”
Coverage under the Show Me Healthy Kids plan will be begin July 1, 2022. Individuals who qualify for coverage through Show Me Healthy Kids will automatically be moved to this plan from their existing health plan, or enrolled in this health plan the day they are approved for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) benefits. They will continue to get their healthcare coverage through this plan as long as they are eligible. Eligibility groups for Show Me Health Kids include:
- Children in the care and custody of the Missouri Department of Social Services
- Children or youth in alternative care
- Children receiving adoption or legal guardianship subsidy
- Former foster care youth under the age of 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday and covered by MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid), and who meet other eligibility criteria
- Former foster care youth under the age of 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday and covered by Medicaid from another state, and who are not currently eligible for Medicaid coverage under another program
Missourians who are enrolled in this specialty health plan will receive a MO HealthNet ID card and a Show Me Healthy Kids ID card that they should bring to every doctor appointment. Additionally, participants will be mailed a Specialty Health Plan Guide that will walk them through their coverage and everything they need to know to manage their (or their child’s) healthcare benefit.
Home State Health was awarded the Specialty Health Plan contract as a result of the competitive procurement process. Additionally, Health Blue Missouri, UnitedHealthcare, and Home State Health were each awarded a contract for the Managed Care General Plan. For more information about the health plan bids and contracts, visit the Office of Administration’s (OA) OA Awarded Bid & Contract Document search. Bid information can be found by searching RFPS30034902200777 and contract information can be found by searching contract numbers CS220777001, CS220777002, and CS220777003.
Missourians in need of information on SNAP, Medicaid, Child Care Subsidy, or Temporary Assistance benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov. Individuals can also apply for these services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov, by uploading completed applications and verification documents to myDSSupload.mo.gov, or by faxing them to 573-526-9400. To learn more about resources available in Missouri to help individuals move towards a healthier, more stable future, review the Missouri Resource Guide.
The mission of the Department of Social Services is to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives.