MO HealthNet for Families Basic Eligibility Requirements

AGE

Child must be under age 19.

HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION

Household composition is based on Federal tax filing rules. A household is established for each person requesting benefits, and must include an eligible child.

NOTE: The parent/caretaker relative must have an eligible child in the home and qualify as an eligible parent/caretaker relative to receive MO HealthNet for Families (MHF). The individual may be a parent/caretaker relative who files taxes, but does not claim the child as a dependent.

Tax filer households: intend to file a federal income tax return for the year coverage is requested. Households consists of the tax filer and individuals to be claimed as dependents:

• Parents / Stepparents

• Children and their siblings including stepchildren

• Children over age 19 (when claimed as dependents)

• Note: some exceptions apply for individuals who expect to be claimed as dependents

• The parents of a person under age 19 must be included in the household composition and the parents’ income is counted even if the child claims he is a non-dependent tax filer. These individuals fall under non-filer rules because they are children who are not claimed as tax dependents.

Non-filer households: do not plan to file a federal income tax return nor expect to be claimed as a tax dependent for the year coverage is requested. Households include the family members who live with the individual:

• The individual requesting coverage

• His/her spouse

• His/her Children and stepchildren

• For children, include:

  • parents / stepparents

  • dependent siblings / stepsiblings under age 19

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

All individuals requesting coverage must furnish or apply for SSN.*

CITIZENSHIP AND IDENTITY

Must be U.S. citizen or an eligible qualified alien.

RESIDENCE

Must reside in Missouri.

ASSIGNMENT OF MEDICAL SUPPORT

The caretaker assigns rights for medical support to FSD Child Support (if either of the child’s parents is not residing in the home).

COOPERATION IN PURSUIT OF MEDICAL SUPPORT

The caretaker must cooperate with CS in pursuing medical support.

MAGI ELIGIBILITY

Federal income tax rules determine how income is counted. Adjusted gross income cannot exceed MO HealthNet for Families MAGI income limits for the household’s size.