Home-delivered Medicaid meals provide essential nutrition and support to Missouri’s most vulnerable homebound older adults and adults with disabilities. This meal program is a crucial investment in their well-being, preventing costly and often unwanted placement in nursing homes.
However, years of underfunding have created a severe crisis. The current Medicaid reimbursement rate ($6.21) fails to cover the actual costs ($9.97/meal). This financial strain is compounded by rising food prices, mandatory wage increases, and the increasing need for meals from Missouri’s growing senior population.
The current rate of $6.21/meal was established in FY22 based on an independent rate study; the newly released Mercer Rate Study developed a new rate model between $10.09 to $10.99/meal.
HB10 includes a proposed amendment with a 12% increase, and the House is expected to vote on HB10 this Thursday.
Please reach out today to your Missouri Representative to urge support for HB10 with an increase in the Medicaid Meal Reimbursement rate.
Also, please reach out to your Senator to urge support as the Senate is likely to begin markup next week.
“My meals mean the world to me! At 85, I have a hard time getting out to shop, much less standing at a stove all day. I really appreciate the healthy meal – and the cookies they bring me are such a treat! It also means the world to me that to have a friendly face to knock on my door and check on me. It’s nice to know that someone cares that I am here. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” Elana, age 85