Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Missouri. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Missouri)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Missouri SHIP)
Missouri's program is Missouri SHIP (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program), overseen by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. It was renamed from "CLAIM" in 2023 but does the same job: free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling, plan comparisons, and help with claims and appeals. Statewide line: 1-800-390-3330 (weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Online: missouriship.org.
Medicaid in Missouri
Missouri Medicaid is called MO HealthNet. Apply online at mydss.mo.gov, by mail, or by phone with the Family Support Division at 1-855-373-4636. MO HealthNet can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Missouri's state drug program is the Missouri Rx Plan (MORx), run by the MO HealthNet Division. It coordinates with Medicare Part D and pays 50 percent of your out-of-pocket costs on drugs your Part D plan covers (up to a 31-day supply per prescription). Important: as of recent years, MORx is available only to people who have BOTH Medicare and MO HealthNet (Medicaid), and those who qualify are enrolled automatically. MORx does not pay your Part D premium. Questions: 1-800-375-1406. If you are not on MO HealthNet, ask Missouri SHIP (1-800-390-3330) about Medicare Extra Help and Part D options.
Energy and utility help
Missouri runs LIHEAP as the Energy Assistance Program (also called LIHEAP), through the Department of Social Services Family Support Division and local Community Action agencies. It offers regular Energy Assistance plus Energy Crisis Intervention for shutoffs, with the season running roughly October 1 through May 31. For program year 2026, heating benefits were reported in the range of about $153 to $495. Apply online at mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap, call 1-855-373-4636, or dial 211 to reach your local Community Action agency. Note there is also an asset test (generally $3,000 or less in countable resources).
Property tax relief (Missouri)
- Missouri Property Tax Credit (the "Circuit Breaker"), claimed on Form MO-PTC: a state credit that refunds part of the real estate tax (or rent) paid by eligible seniors 65 and older (and 100 percent disabled adults). For the 2025 tax year, homeowners qualify with household income of $30,000 or less (single) or $34,000 or less (married), with a maximum credit of $1,100. Renters qualify with income of $27,200 or less (single) or $29,200 or less (married), with a maximum credit of $750. File Form MO-PTC by April 15 (or attach Schedule MO-PTS if you file a Missouri return). Details: Missouri Department of Revenue, dor.mo.gov.
- County senior real estate property tax freeze: under a recent state law, many Missouri counties have adopted a program that freezes the property tax on the primary residence of homeowners 65 and older. The rules and application differ by county. Ask your county collector's office whether your county offers the senior freeze and how to apply.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (health.mo.gov/seniors) funds Missouri's 10 Area Agencies on Aging, which handle home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation statewide. Reach them through the DHSS Senior and Disability hotline 1-800-309-3282, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your Area Agency on Aging or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Missouri's SHIP program? Missouri SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (formerly CLAIM), overseen by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-390-3330.
Does Missouri offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker, Form MO-PTC) refunds up to $1,100 for qualifying homeowners 65+ and up to $750 for renters, based on income (2025 homeowner limits $30,000 single / $34,000 married). Many counties also offer a separate senior property tax freeze through the county collector.
How do Missouri seniors get help with prescription costs? Through the Missouri Rx Plan (MORx), which pays 50 percent of Part D out-of-pocket costs, but only for people who have both Medicare and MO HealthNet. Call 1-800-375-1406, or ask Missouri SHIP about Medicare Extra Help.
How do Missouri seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Apply at mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap, call 1-855-373-4636, or dial 211.
Sources
- Missouri SHIP: https://www.missouriship.org/ and DCI rebrand notice: https://dci.mo.gov/node/696 . Verified June 6, 2026.
- myDSS, Apply for Healthcare (MO HealthNet, Family Support Division 1-855-373-4636): https://mydss.mo.gov/healthcare/apply . Verified June 6, 2026.
- myDSS, Missouri Rx Plan FAQs: https://mydss.mo.gov/mhd/morx-general-faqs . Verified June 6, 2026.
- myDSS, LIHEAP / Energy Assistance: https://mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap and DSS energy assistance: https://dss.mo.gov/fsd/energy-assistance/index.htm . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Missouri Department of Revenue, Property Tax Credit: https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/tax-types/property-tax-credit/ . Verified June 6, 2026.