In short
Missouri's senior care options are centered in its two big metro areas — Kansas City and St. Louis — where families have a wide range of choices across both sides of state lines. Assisted living statewide averages about $5,400 a month. Missouri's MO HealthNet program covers long-term care through nursing home and HCBS waivers with some of the most generous asset limits in the country.
Missouri’s senior care landscape
Missouri’s senior care is defined by its two major metro areas — Kansas City and St. Louis — where families have a wide range of options. The state’s Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, offers some of the most generous asset limits in the country for long-term care, which makes a real difference for families who have saved for retirement.
Between the two metros, the cost of assisted living and home care varies. Kansas City’s Missouri side tends to be more affordable than the Kansas side, and St. Louis has a mix of historic neighborhoods and newer suburbs with several continuing-care communities.
The Missouri DHSS licenses and inspects all long-term care facilities annually, and inspection reports are published online. The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) AAA serves the Kansas City region.
What care costs in Missouri
These are Missouri-wide medians from the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey. Actual costs in your city can be higher or lower.
| Type of care | Missouri median (2025) | National median (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | $5,400 a month | $6,200 a month |
| Nursing home (semi-private) | $6,741 a month | $9,581 a month |
| Home care (44 hrs/wk) | $6,292 a month | $6,673 a month |
Not sure where to start?
Tell us where your parent is and what kind of care they need. We’ll tell you the options in their area and help you narrow to the few worth your time.
How Missouri helps families pay
Missouri programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- Missouri’s MO HealthNet covers nursing home care and HCBS waiver services including assisted living and home care for qualifying seniors.
- Who qualifies
- Missouri is a spend-down state with no hard income cap. Asset limits: $6,220.50 for a single applicant.
- Where to start
- Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Aging and Adult Services, 816-421-4980 (toll-free 800-593-7948)
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: Missouri Department of Social Services; MARC Aging and Adult Services; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Our Missouri city pages
Each city page has specific cost ranges, local Area Agency on Aging contacts, neighborhood guidance, and answers to local questions.
| City | County | Typical AL cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | Jackson County | $4,500 to $5,500/mo |
Questions families ask
Does Missouri have a Medicaid program for assisted living?
Yes. Missouri’s MO HealthNet HCBS waiver can help pay for assisted living and home care for seniors who qualify.
How do I choose between Kansas and Missouri sides of Kansas City?
Each side has different Medicaid rules, property taxes, and service networks. The Missouri side tends to have more affordable assisted living and more generous Medicaid asset limits.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Missouri?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living or any form of long-term custodial care.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, carescout.com/cost-of-care; State agency websites; Medicare.gov; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved October 8, 2026.