Thompson Medicare Brokerage
Missouri Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)
🏡 Missouri MERP: What Every Medicare Beneficiary Should Know
At Thompson Medicare Brokerage, I believe informed choices lead to peace of mind. One lesser-known but important topic affecting Missouri Medicare beneficiaries is the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program—commonly called MERP. If you or a loved one receives both Medicare and Medicaid, understanding MERP is essential for protecting your estate and planning your legacy.
🧾 What Is MERP?
MERP is a federal requirement that each state must seek reimbursement for Medicaid costs paid on behalf of individuals aged 55 or older. In Missouri, the state may recover expenses for long-term care services, hospital bills, and prescription drugs from the estate of the deceased Medicaid recipient.
This means if Medicaid paid for your nursing home care, for example, Missouri may attempt to recover those funds after your death—often from your home or other assets left in your estate.
📍 Who Does Missouri MERP Affect?
- Individuals 55 or older who received MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
- Those receiving long-term care, nursing home care, or home and community-based services funded by Medicaid
- Dual-eligibles: People enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid
Even if you only received services temporarily, your estate may still be subject to recovery.
🔍 What Counts As Your “Estate”?
In Missouri, MERP applies to assets that go through probate. This often includes:
- Real estate (like your home)
- Bank accounts not jointly owned
- Vehicles
- Other personal property passed through a will
⚠️ Can You Avoid Estate Recovery?
Yes—there are legal and ethical planning strategies to help protect your estate. Some options include:
- Transferring assets before applying for Medicaid (must comply with the 5-year look-back rule)
- Setting up a life estate or irrevocable trust
- Adding Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designations to property and accounts
- Caregiver child exemption: transferring the home to a child who lived there and provided care
There are also hardship waivers available in some situations. Always speak with a licensed elder law attorney or estate planner to ensure compliance with Missouri law.
🛡️ How Thompson Medicare Can Help
While I don’t offer legal advice, I am well-versed in how MERP interacts with Medicare, Medicaid eligibility, and long-term care planning. I can connect you with trusted professionals and help you make informed choices about dual-eligibility, long-term care insurance, and asset protection.
📞 Let’s Talk About It
If you have questions about Medicaid recovery, long-term care coverage, or Medicare in general, give me a call/text at (417) 420-1807 or email me. At Thompson Medicare Brokerage, I’m here to help Missourians plan smarter and live better.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please consult a licensed attorney for estate or Medicaid planning.
✅ Final Thoughts
Medicare isn’t just about picking a plan — it’s about having someone in your corner who puts your needs first. At Thompson Medicare Brokerage, I believe in full transparency and real guidance. My role isn’t to steer you toward the plan that pays me more — it’s to help you find the one that fits your health, lifestyle, and budget best.
Whether you’re navigating Medicare Advantage, Medigap, VA coordination, or Medicaid overlap, I’m here for you year-round — not just during enrollment. I’ll help you check your doctors, prescriptions, and benefits so you can make confident, informed decisions.
Still comparing options? Feel free to explore more of my Medicare articles or visit the Broker Services page to learn how I support clients before, during, and after they enroll.
And when you’re ready to have a real conversation, let’s connect. I’ll take the time to understand your full picture — so we can choose a plan that supports your peace of mind, not just your paperwork.
¹ClearSpring, HealthAlliance, Molina & BCBS IL plan options are listed separately.