Missouri Department of Social Services

Missouri faces a potential $150 million cost for federal nutrition assistance if its SNAP error rate remains above 6% in 2027 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The state's SNAP error rate improved to 8.67% in fiscal year 2025, down from 9.42% in 2024 and 10.54% in 2023, but advocates warn disruptions during the 2025 government shutdown could raise the rate. The law requires states with error rates above 6% to cover 5-15% of SNAP benefits starting October 2027.

Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) will stop covering chiropractic care starting July 1 due to budget cuts. A 2018 law had authorized the coverage, expecting cost savings by reducing surgeries, emergency room visits, and opioid use, but state officials cited lack of evidence showing savings and low usage (2,000 annual recipients) as reasons for the cut.

Over 333,000 Missourians lost Medicaid coverage from January 2025 through February 2026, with 91.9% of terminations due to paperwork issues rather than ineligibility. New federal Medicaid rules and Missouri's implementation of work requirements and twice-yearly eligibility checks raise concerns about further coverage losses, particularly for medically frail individuals like cancer patients.

Missouri delays its plan to restrict SNAP purchases of candy, prepared desserts, and sugary drinks until February 2027, citing the need for clearer guidance and educational materials. The delay allows the state to refine definitions and create a standardized product list for retailers, following concerns from grocers about implementation challenges.

Missouri plans to restrict SNAP and SuN Bucks purchases of sugary and processed foods starting October 2025, affecting 300,000 families. Grocers seek clarity on implementation details, while the state faces reduced federal SNAP funding and a decline in participants. Governor Mike Kehoe's executive order aims to promote healthy eating through restrictions and partnerships with local farmers.