Everything you need to know about getting paid to care for a loved one in Missouri
Yes, Medicaid is required to qualify for this program in Missouri because it is the coverage that pays for ongoing in-home care services. Medicare alone does not provide long term personal care support and does not qualify by itself. If you think you may be eligible, you can apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services Family Support Division.
Yes, having both Medicare and Medicaid often makes you eligible to apply for this program in Missouri. Medicaid is what qualifies you for participation, while Medicare can continue to cover medical care such as doctor visits and hospital services. Eligibility also depends on an assessment to confirm your need for help with daily activities.
No, Medicare alone does not qualify you for FreedomCare in Missouri. Medicaid is required because it is the program that pays for long term in-home care services. If you believe you may qualify, you can apply for Medicaid through Missouri’s Family Support Division, and eligibility is based on income, assets, and care needs. Click here for Missouri’s Family Support Division contact options.
Yes, you may still be eligible in Missouri if you have a Medicaid spend down. As long as you meet your spend down requirement each month and your Medicaid coverage is active, you can still qualify for in-home care services. Eligibility also depends on an assessment confirming your care needs.
Eligibility for care in Missouri is based on the need for help with daily activities, including:
Care needs and approved hours are determined through an assessment with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. We help guide you through the assessment and enrollment process from start to finish so you are supported at every step.
No, there are no diagnosis based restrictions for this program in Missouri. Eligibility is based on whether the person has active Medicaid and needs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, or moving safely around the home. The type of illness or condition matters less than the level of day to day support required. If the state assessment shows that hands on help is needed, the individual may qualify to choose a family member or trusted friend as their paid caregiver.
Yes, someone receiving SSI or disability benefits can still qualify in Missouri. Receiving these benefits does not prevent eligibility as long as the person has Medicaid or qualifies for Medicaid. Many individuals who receive SSI automatically qualify for Missouri Medicaid, while others may qualify based on income and medical need. If the person has Medicaid and needs help with daily activities at home, they may be able to choose a family member or trusted friend as their paid caregiver through this program.
In most cases, Missouri Medicaid requires you to choose either traditional home care services or Consumer Directed Services for your approved hours. You typically cannot use both at the same time, and FreedomCare does not add extra hours beyond what Medicaid authorizes. If you switch, your approved hours usually stay the same, but a family member or trusted friend can become your paid caregiver instead of an agency assigned worker. At FreedomCare, we help you understand your options and guide you through the transition if you decide to make a change.
In Missouri, eligibility while receiving hospice care depends on your Medicaid enrollment status. If you are already enrolled in a Medicaid plan when hospice services begin, you may still qualify for this program. If Medicaid enrollment starts after hospice care has begun, eligibility may be limited or not available.
You may choose a caregiver who meets Missouri program requirements, including:
The following individuals cannot be paid caregivers in Missouri:
At FreedomCare, we help you confirm whether your chosen caregiver is eligible and guide both of you through the enrollment process.
Yes, your caregiver can live with you, and this is very common for families using the FreedomCare program in Missouri. Many caregivers already live in the same household as the person they care for, which can make daily support more consistent and comfortable. As long as the caregiver meets Missouri’s eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18, authorized to work in the United States, and able to pass a background check, living in the same home is allowed. The same rules still apply, meaning a legal spouse or legal guardian cannot be paid as the caregiver.
No, there is no cost to participate in FreedomCare in Missouri. Approved in-home care services are fully funded by Missouri Medicaid for eligible individuals. There are no enrollment fees, monthly charges, or out of pocket costs for families. At FreedomCare, we help make sure everything is set up correctly so you can focus on care, not expenses.
In Missouri, Consumer Directed Services through FreedomCare replaces traditional home care services for the hours approved by Medicaid. This means you receive care through one program at a time, not both simultaneously. Your approved hours usually stay the same, but the way care is delivered changes, allowing you to choose who provides that care.
The patient enrollment process in Missouri follows these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Medicaid eligibility
The first step is confirming that the patient has active Missouri Medicaid or qualifies for Medicaid, since Medicaid is required to receive services through this program.
Step 2: Complete a DHSS assessment to determine care needs
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services completes an in-home assessment to evaluate daily care needs such as bathing, mobility, and meal preparation.
Step 3: Receive a plan of care with approved hours from Medicaid
Based on the assessment, Medicaid issues a plan of care that outlines which services are approved and how many caregiving hours are authorized.
Step 4: Complete caregiver enrollment and authorization
The chosen caregiver completes enrollment requirements including background checks and authorization so they can be officially approved to provide care.
Step 5: Attend a welcome call to confirm your official start of care date
During the welcome call, we review next steps, confirm details, and let you know exactly when care and caregiver pay will officially begin.
At FreedomCare, we guide you through each step so the process is clear and manageable.
If you are already enrolled with another Consumer Directed Services agency in Missouri, you can switch to FreedomCare by requesting a change through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573-751-6400. You can also contact our team, and we can submit the change request on your behalf. Switching agencies does not change your approved hours or eligibility, only who supports you and your caregiver.
Yes, you can change caregivers in Missouri if your needs or circumstances change. You may also have more than one caregiver, as long as each caregiver meets program requirements and completes enrollment. Having multiple caregivers does not increase the number of hours approved by Medicaid, but it can provide flexibility with scheduling and coverage.
Yes, you can care for more than one patient. However, approved hours must be divided between each patient. For example, if one patient is approved for 23 hours per week and another is approved for 20 hours per week, you may work up to 43 total hours. You cannot be clocked in for more than one patient at the same time.
If the patient is hospitalized, notify FreedomCare as soon as possible so we can update the care record and avoid any issues with billing or compliance. Caregivers should not clock in or provide paid care while the patient is admitted to the hospital. Once the patient is discharged, we help confirm when care can safely resume and make sure everything is documented correctly.
You can download a copy of specific Missouri state labor law posters here. These posters outline important worker rights, wage rules, and workplace policies and are available to view or download at no cost. If you need help locating the correct page or understanding what applies to you, we are always happy to point you in the right direction.
As of January 1, 2025, the statewide caregiver pay rate in Missouri is $13.75 per hour. Caregivers are paid based on the number of hours authorized through the patient’s Medicaid plan and properly tracked during care. Pay is processed consistently once enrollment is complete and care has officially started. Payment details and available benefits can vary based on the patient’s location and insurance plan, and we help explain what applies to your situation.
The payment schedule in Missouri depends on the payment method you choose during enrollment. Caregivers can receive pay through direct deposit, a mailed check, or a pay card that is provided at no cost. Payments are issued for approved Medicaid hours that are properly tracked using the FreedomCare app. We help caregivers understand when to expect payment and choose the option that works best for them.
If there is an issue with your FreedomCare payment, contact your Care Support Specialist as soon as possible. Our team will review your time records, payment method, and authorization details to identify the issue. We work directly with you to resolve payment concerns quickly and make sure you receive the pay you are owed.
Caregiver working hours are determined by the number of hours the patient is approved for through Missouri Medicaid and the schedule the patient requests. These hours are based on the patient’s assessed care needs and outlined in the approved plan of care. All caregiving hours must follow state labor rules and program guidelines to ensure everything is tracked correctly. At FreedomCare, we help both patients and caregivers understand how hours are set and how schedules can be adjusted when needs change.
No, there is no minimum number of hours required for caregivers in Missouri. The number of hours worked is based entirely on the patient’s approved Medicaid plan of care. Some caregivers provide just a few hours of support each week, while others provide more regular daily care depending on the patient’s needs.
Yes, overtime may be available in Missouri when the patient’s approved plan of care authorizes more than 40 hours per week. In these situations, Missouri program rules require that a second caregiver be added to help cover the additional hours. This ensures care is provided safely and in compliance with labor and Medicaid guidelines.
Yes, overnight care can be paid in Missouri if it is specifically included in the approved Medicaid plan of care. All overnight hours must be authorized by the state and properly recorded. Caregivers cannot clock in for hours that are not approved, even if they are present in the home. We help families understand what overnight care looks like under Missouri rules.
Missouri does not offer additional caregiver benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans under this program. Caregivers are paid for authorized caregiving hours only. Pay is tied directly to the patient’s approved plan of care. At FreedomCare, we make sure caregivers clearly understand pay expectations from the start.
Yes, caregiver schedules can be flexible as long as they stay within the patient’s approved hours. Caregivers and patients work together to create a schedule that fits daily routines and care needs. Any schedule must follow the authorized plan of care. We help families adjust schedules when needs change.
No, travel expenses are not reimbursed under this program in Missouri. Care is intended to be provided in the patient’s home, not during transportation or errands outside the home. Mileage, gas, and travel time are not paid. We help clarify what counts as approved caregiving time so there are no surprises.
No, caregivers do not receive health insurance through the program. Many caregivers choose to maintain coverage through a spouse, employer, private plan, or state marketplace options. If you have questions about your benefits or need help understanding your options, we are always here to walk through them with you.
No, retirement plans are not currently offered as part of the caregiver role. Even without a formal retirement benefit, caregivers are still paid for approved hours and gain valuable work experience. We help make sure you understand your pay, schedule, and program details so you can plan with confidence.
In Missouri, the caregiver onboarding and enrollment process happens before the patient assessment. A referral is sent to DHSS, and the caregiver must successfully pass a background check before moving forward.
Once your patient has been approved for services and caregiver enrollment is ready to begin, here is what happens next.
Step 1: Register on MySteps
MySteps is FreedomCare’s central hub where you manage everything related to your caregiver role.
Step 2: Complete your health assessment
You will complete your health assessment and have your physician fill out and sign the Medical Examination form.
Step 3: Upload required documents to MySteps
This includes the signed Medical Examination form, bloodwork or immunization records, and work authorization documents.
Step 4: Schedule your Welcome Call
You and your patient will join the Welcome Call together to review next steps and confirm your official start date.
If you have questions at any point, we are here to guide you through each step so the process feels manageable and clear.
No, caregivers do not need to be certified or have prior training to work as a caregiver in Missouri. The state does not require a formal license for this program, but caregivers must complete enrollment steps such as background checks and required paperwork. These steps help ensure safety and program compliance.
In Missouri, caregivers must meet a few basic requirements to participate in the program. You need an active email address and either a working smartphone to use the FreedomCare Plus app or access to a landline for required check-ins. These tools are used for scheduling, communication, and time tracking. At FreedomCare, we help caregivers get set up and make sure they are comfortable with the system before care begins.
Yes, you can have a part time job and still be a caregiver in Missouri as long as you can meet the approved care schedule. All caregiving hours must be completed as outlined in the patient’s Medicaid approved plan of care and cannot overlap with other work hours.
For example, if you work a part time job from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the patient is approved for care in the mornings and evenings, you may provide care from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You would only clock in during the hours you are actively providing care.
No. At this time, in Missouri, Caregivers must be linked to an approved patient in order to enroll and begin working with FreedomCare. The program is designed specifically for individuals who need in-home care through Missouri Medicaid and the family members or trusted people who support them. If you later have a family member or loved one who qualifies for care, we can help guide both of you through the process when the time comes.
No, a misdemeanor does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a caregiver in Missouri. All caregivers are required to complete a background check, and each situation is reviewed individually with a focus on safety and program rules. Many misdemeanors do not affect eligibility, especially if they are older or unrelated to caregiving responsibilities.
To download the FreedomCare Plus app, visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and search for “FreedomCare Plus.” Once installed, open the app and allow the requested permissions. You will log in using the caregiver code and password provided during your Welcome Call. If you need help accessing your login information, your Care Support team is ready to assist you.
You can review your pay stubs directly through the FreedomCare Plus app. Simply log in and tap the “My Payroll” button to view your payment details and history.
If your paycheck does not deposit as expected, contact your Care Support Specialist as soon as possible. They will look into the issue and help resolve it quickly so you know exactly what is happening with your pay.
At this time, the app is the only approved method for clocking in and out. Make sure the app is installed and working on a smartphone or tablet, even if it is not your personal device. If you are experiencing technical issues, your Care Support Specialist can help troubleshoot the problem.
FreedomCare currently operates in Missouri, as well as a number of other states throughout the US, and can help you understand your options if care is needed elsewhere.
FreedomCare currently operates in these additional states:
This program is funded through Missouri Medicaid, which covers approved in-home care services for eligible individuals. There is no cost to patients or caregivers to participate in FreedomCare, as Medicaid pays for the authorized care hours. Funding is based on medical and functional need, not personal choice, and services must follow the approved care plan. At FreedomCare, we help families in Missouri understand how Medicaid funding works and make sure everything is set up correctly from the start.
Medicaid and Medicare serve different purposes, even though many people have both. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program for individuals with limited income or resources and is the program that pays for long term in-home care services. Medicare is a federal program mainly for people age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, and it focuses on medical care like doctor visits and hospital stays. In Missouri, this caregiver program requires Medicaid, since Medicare alone does not cover ongoing personal care at home.
If you have Medicaid and need help with daily activities, you may be able to choose a family member or trusted person to care for you. FreedomCare supports this through Missouri Consumer Directed Services by handling enrollment, authorization, and caregiver payment. This allows you to receive care at home from someone you already trust.
In Missouri, an agency caregiver is assigned by a home care agency and may change based on staffing or scheduling needs. A Consumer Directed Services caregiver is someone you choose, often a family member or trusted friend, who provides care according to your approved plan. CDS allows for more consistency and personal involvement in daily care. With FreedomCare, we help families in Missouri understand this option and support them through the CDS enrollment process.
Enroll now to have a family member or a trusted friend care for you in your home.
