Missouri's Guide to Home and Community Based Services

HOW DO I APPLY FOR SERVICES?

You may contact any of the service agencies listed on the back page of this manual to apply for agency-specific services. That agency may also be able to assist you in applying for Medicaid-funded services. If you are unsure about what services are available to you or what your needs are, contact your local FSD office.

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To apply for Medicaid services, you, or an authorized representative, will need to complete a Medicaid application. You can obtain an application at your local FSD office. An Income Maintenance worker can assist you in filling out a form. You can also call your local FSD office and have them mail an application to you.

WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION?

Upon contacting the specific State service agency, you should ask what specific information the agency may need to complete your application for the agency's services.

To file for Medicaid, simply complete the application to the best of your ability. FSD will complete the application and might need you to provide some of the following information:

• Proof of income such as a pay stub (FSD has access to Social Security Income records)
• Proof of assets other than your home (i.e. bank accounts, savings, IRAs)
• Information on any transfer of assets during the past 3-5 years.

WHO CAN HELP ME APPLY?

Many community organizations can help you apply for home and community based services. They also can help you decide which services are right for you. Some of these organizations include the Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, Department of Mental Health Regional Centers, Community Mental Health Centers, Special Health Care Needs, and the local Section for Senior Services offices. You can also have family members or friends help you complete the application.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR STATE SPONSORED SERVICES?

If you meet all eligibility guidelines required by the agency where you applied for services be sure to ask the agency representative when you will receive notice of eligibility.

For Missouri's Medicaid program, FSD will complete and approve your application. You will receive a letter that includes your Medicaid number. If your information is incomplete, the County FSD Office will contact you and help you complete the missing information.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO PAY?

If you are eligible for Medicaid funded home and community based services, the services provided are free to you. Note: For Spenddown recipients, you will be required to incur charges for medical expenses up to your monthly spenddown amount. Cost share fees may also be required for certain services (i.e. hearing aids, mental health, vision or dental care)

WHEN WILL SERVICES START?

If you are determined financially and functionally eligible for Medicaid, basic health-related service (doctor visits, hospital care, etc.) will be available to you right away. Some of the specialized home and community based services may not be available to you right away. Your social worker can tell you if you will have to wait and for how long. For other services not provided through Medicaid, check with the agency you applied through to determine when services will begin.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH SERVICE PROVIDERS TO USE?

You will have a choice of service providers depending upon availability in your area. You can contact the local Section for Senior Services county office or Department of Mental Health Regional Center for a list of providers.

Local and Private pay services may also be available in your area.

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Missouri's Guide to Home and Community Based Services' Quick Links
[ Cover Page | Table of Contents | Introduction | What Are My Options? | How Do I Qualify? | Applying for Services | Appeal Process | What is Consumer Directed Care? | Other Program Available for Non-Medicaid Eligible Individuals | Questions for Nursing Facility Residents or Individuals in an RCF or ICF/MR | Aged and Disabled Waiver | AIDS Waiver | Independent Living Waiver | Lopez Waiver | MR/DD Comprehensive Waiver | MR/DD Community Support Waiver | Physical Disability Waiver | Consumer Directed State Plan Services | DHSS HCY State Plan Services | Other State Agencies to Contact | Agencies and Terminology | Numbers to Know ]