In February, Missouri’s Department of Social Services took an average of 57 days to process a Medicaid application, according to data.
In February 2023, the average duration was only 14 days, which is significantly shorter compared to the current period.
Marty Jeffries expressed frustration, stating that parents simply want to ensure the well-being of their children. However, the current state of affairs is making this task increasingly challenging.
In August, Jeffries submitted an application for Medicaid, which is known as MO HealthNet in Missouri.
As of Thursday, the application was still pending.
Without a job, he finds himself in a difficult situation where he and his two children are left without health insurance.
Jeffries is facing a challenging situation as his children require dental appointments and one of them needs to see an eye doctor. Moreover, his medication prescriptions have expired, but without insurance, he is unable to afford the necessary treatments and services.
Medicaid is a health insurance option available to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including income limits. It provides free or low-cost coverage for those who qualify.
Jeffries is collaborating with the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center in Kansas City to support his cause.
Jim Torres serves as the program manager of health insurance services at the health center.
Torres reached out to the state this week on behalf of Jeffries to ensure that his application is promptly assigned to a processor.
Torres expressed optimism, stating that there is a possibility of making progress within the next week or two, and ideally, reaching a decision.
Missouri’s Department of Social Services’ Family Support Division assures that it is operating at maximum efficiency.
The backlog is attributed to the expiration of a COVID-era rule that used to automatically renew Missourians in Medicaid. As of 2023, the rule is no longer in effect.
The state is currently experiencing delays due to the need for every applicant to reapply and have their eligibility re-determined.
