Missouri
The rate of physical inactivity among Missouri residents decreased by nearly 4% in 2012, according to America’s Health Rankings. In the same year, the state’s incidence of smoking decreased down to 24% and the incidence of binge drinking down to 17%. America’s Health Rankings gave Missouri a high score on minimizing health disparity related to educational attainment.
Approximately 1.6 million adults in Missouri risk health complications and a reduced life expectancy due to low health literacy. This even costs the state’s economy as much as $7.5 billion every year. Health literacy refers to a person’s capability of making intelligent choices that have an effect on the well-being. It involves taking medications correctly and understanding the doctor’s instructions accurately.
As with health literacy, poverty can also affect well-being and the ability to sustain long-term care. Missouri reported a 15.8% poverty rate in 2011, mostly affecting the Southeast region. This region also saw the highest mortality rate between 2000 and 2011, according to the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services. The whole of Missouri recorded 196 heart disease-related deaths per 100,000 people in 2011.
State citizens can reduce obesity, which can cause heart disease, through community-based coalitions, locally-grown foods, environmental initiatives, and preventive measures by health care providers.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Missouri.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Columbia | $162 | $110 | $84 | $114 |
| Jefferson City | $159 | $61 | $70 | N/A |
| Kansas City | $194 | $69 | $66 | $120 |
| Springfield | $181 | $89 | $78 | $108 |
| St. Louis | $189 | $108 | $75 | $126 |
Notes:
*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.
Insurance Options
John Hancock started marketing Long-Term Care Partnership policies in Missouri on August 19, 2013. The insurance company offered Custom Care II, Essential Care II, Leading Edge, and Custom Care III. Unisex and gender options can be found in Custom Care III.
On September 10, 2013, Transamerica’s improved LTCI policy called TransCare III became available to individuals residing in Missouri and 35 other states. TransCare III features an expanded elimination period, a $500 daily benefit amount, and a Tailored Benefit Increase Option Rider.
Modifications in the marital and preferred health discount rates of MedAmerica’s FlexCare policy took effect on October 12, 2013. Aside from discount rate changes, FlexCare also saw the removal of its option to pay through credit card.
Adults in Missouri can buy Partnership policies from Assurity Life, Allianz Life, Berkshire Life, Equitable Life, Genworth, Massachusetts Mutual, Mutual of Omaha, Northwestern, Physician’s Mutual, State Farm, Sterling Life, and UNUM Life.
State Long-Term Care Programs
By applying for Medicare benefits, senior citizens and younger adults with disabilities can receive financial support in paying services for home health care and nursing facility care. While the two care services fall under the program’s Part A, Part B can help in getting therapy or medical equipment.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program can provide counseling to people who need long-term care coverage on a per-state basis. In Missouri, residents refer to this program as CLAIM, or Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri. Over 250 counselors work under the CLAIM program.
Medicaid in Missouri is more commonly known as MO HealthNet. MO HealthNet offers nursing facility care, prescribed drugs, home health care, adult day health services, and therapy. For Medicare clients, MO HealthNet serves as secondary insurance if they receive care services from both programs.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Missouri, please check the following websites:
Department of Health and Senior Services
Offers resource links along with a tool for searching LTC facilities.
Informs about senior living services, care facilities, and support for caregivers.
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