Spend Down
What is Spend Down?
If your income is above the limit to qualify for Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet), you may still be able to get MO HealthNet coverage if you agree to pay, or “spend down,” a certain amount each month. Once you spend this amount, you will have MO HealthNet coverage for the month. If you do not spend this amount in a month, you will not have MO HealthNet coverage that month.
Who is eligible?
If your income is above the limit to qualify for MO HealthNet and you are age 65 or older, disabled, or blind, you may qualify for help through the Spend Down Program. Once you apply for MO HealthNet, our team will check to see what type of coverage you qualify for and will notify you directly.
How do I pay Spend Down?
When you’re approved for spend down, you will get an invoice in the mail. It will show the amount you need to pay for the month. There are many ways you can meet your spend down:
- ONLINE: Visit mymohealthportal.com to create your account. You will need an email address and your 10-digit DCN or social security number. Once you have your account created, you can sign in to pay your spend down online.
- MAIL: To get coverage, send the bottom of the invoice that lists the month you want to pay for along with your payment and case number. If you do not have the correct invoice, write which month and case number on the check or money order (DO NOT SEND CASH). Only include the invoice for the month you want to pay for. Send a check/money order to: MHD Premium Collections Unit, P.O. Box 808001, Kansas City, MO 64180
- AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL: You can have your payment taken directly out of your bank account on the 10th of each month. It will give you coverage for the next month. To sign up, submit an automatic withdrawal form: tinyurl.com/SpendDown-AW. Please allow 30 days for the automatic withdrawal to process. If you choose this option, you can submit medical bills you paid towards your spend down.
SUBMIT MEDICAL BILLS: You can submit your paid expenses online using the online MO HealthNet Spend Down Participant Form.
If you are unable to access the online form, please complete the PDF version of the MO HealthNet Spend Down Participant Form and submit the form and documentation in one of the following ways:
ONLINE: mydssupload.mo.gov/UploadPortal
FAX: 855-600-3754
MAIL: Spend Down Unit, 16798 Oak Hill Drive, Suite 600, Houston, MO 65483
What services qualify for Spend Down?
You can submit bills for services you or your spouse get from a medical provider, even if you have not paid for them yet. They must be bills you are responsible for paying and include services such as:
- Prescriptions
- Eye care services or eyeglasses
- Chiropractic services
- Hospital and emergency services
- Labs and tests
- Dental care
- Mental health services and counseling
- Doctor prescribed oxygen, nebulizer, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, wheelchair, crutches, or walker
- Certain home medical services such as personal care or adult day care
Questions?
If you have questions about Spend Down, call 855-600-4412. You can also review our frequently asked questions by visiting: mydss.mo.gov/mhd/spend-down-faqs