At Swope Health, we have spent more than 56 years delivering accessible, quality care to the people of Greater Kansas City — regardless of their ability to pay, insurance status, or zip code. During Medicaid Awareness Month, we focus on how foundational Medicaid is to the work we do and to the health of our community. For tens of thousands of our neighbors, access to health coverage can be the difference between getting the care that improves quality of life – or going without it. This April, we want to make sure every eligible person knows how to access it.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income children and adults, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. It covers a broad range of services, including primary care, preventive screenings, behavioral health, dental, vision, prescriptions, and more.
Whom does it serve?
In Missouri (MO HealthNet):
- According to healthinsurance.org, adults under age 65 are eligible with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Infants under one are eligible with household incomes up to 201% of poverty. Children ages 1–18 are eligible with household incomes up to 155% of poverty.
- Apply online at mydss.mo.gov or call 800-318-2596.
In Kansas (KanCare):
- Healthinsurance.org also states the following requirements for Kansas: children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities may be eligible. Kansas has not expanded Medicaid for able-bodied adults, but children may qualify with family incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level, and pregnant women with household income up to 171% of the federal poverty line can receive full coverage before and after childbirth.
- Apply online at ApplyForKanCare.ks.gov or call 800-792-4884.
Changes on the horizon
This year’s Medicaid Awareness Month comes at a particularly consequential time. Federal legislation signed into law in July 2025 introduced significant changes to the Medicaid program with real implications for our region.
Starting January 1, 2027, the legislation will require at least 80 hours of work, school, or caregiving per month from individuals on Medicaid who are between the ages of 19 to 64. This also includes a bi-annual verification process. An article by The Beacon reported that it is estimated that over the next decade, this new bill could strip Medicaid coverage from 16 million Americans – approximately 130,000 being Missourians. Although, Kansas has not adopted Medicaid expansion, it could still impact 13,000 Kansas citizens over the next ten years.
Swope Health can help
At Swope Health, we are watching these changes closely, and remain committed to helping every patient understand how these shifts may affect their coverage. Our insurance navigators are available to answer questions, assist with enrollment, and help patients navigate any changes to their eligibility.
Whether you are newly eligible, need help understanding a coverage change, or have simply never investigated if you qualify, we are here to help.
Visit swopehealth.org/insurance-and-medicaid-enrollment or call our insurance navigators at 816-599-5590 or visit us at any of our locations across the Kansas City region.
Click the links below to learn more about the changes to Medicaid and how they may impact you and your loved ones.
