Continuous Eligibility for Children FAQs

Continuous Eligibility for Children FAQs

What is continuous eligibility for children?

Starting January 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires all states to provide continuous eligibility for children ages 18 and under who get their healthcare through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This means that unless the child meets an exception, their healthcare eligibility may not be terminated during their 12 month eligibility period. Even if the parent/guardian reports changes that would cause the parent to lose eligibility, the child will continue to be eligible for their 12 month eligibility period.

What exceptions would cause a child’s coverage to be terminated?

A child’s eligibility may not be terminated unless one of the following exceptions applies:

  • The child turns age 19
  • The parent/guardian requests a voluntary termination of eligibility
  • The child is no longer a resident of Missouri
  • An error was made when determining eligibility for coverage either by the Family Support Division or due to fraud, abuse, or perjury by either the child or their parent/guardian
  • The child is deceased

 

What happens after 12 months?

Every year, all MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) participants are required to complete a Medicaid Annual Renewal. The Family Support Division will review your annual renewal form to see if your child is still eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. If your child is determined ineligible during your annual renewal, and they do not have other healthcare coverage, please visit Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options. If your child is determined to be eligible, their eligibility will be renewed for another 12 months (this is called their 12 month eligibility period).

For more information about Medicaid Annual Renewals, please visit mydss.mo.gov/renew or login to the FSD Benefits Portal to view information about your coverage or find out when your child’s annual renewal is due.  

 

Do changes need to be reported for my child?

Yes, reporting changes is mandatory by law and important. Depending on the changes you report, it could mean your child is either eligible for a higher level of coverage or their coverage would stay the same for 12 months. Changes to report include:

  • Changes in income
  • Getting other health insurance
  • Loss of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children eligible for Medicaid based on their SSI
  • Change in address or phone number

To report these changes, complete the Report A Change form online, call the Family Support Division at (855) 373-4636, or visit your local office.