11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Missouri

"Missouri offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive care. The state is home to many excellent hospitals and medical facilities, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, and University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia. Other notable medical centers in the state include CoxHealth in Springfield, St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis. These hospitals and medical facilities provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical needs, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries," said one expat.

"In Missouri, medical services are widely available and of a high quality. There are a variety of hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities throughout the state, offering a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. Missouri also has a number of medical schools and research centers, providing access to the latest medical technologies and treatments. Additionally, the state has a number of health insurance plans available to residents, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need," said an expat in Missouri.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Missouri can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and provider. Generally, health insurance premiums are higher than the national average, and out-of-pocket costs for medical services can be high. Additionally, many Missourians are unable to access affordable health insurance due to the state's lack of Medicaid expansion," wrote an expat living in Missouri.

"In Missouri, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in Missouri are provided by a variety of organizations, including fire departments, police departments, and private ambulance services," wrote one expat.

"Kansas City and St. Louis are two cities in Missouri that have a wide range of medical specialists. Other notable cities in the state that also offer medical specialists include Columbia, Springfield, and St. Charles. Additionally, the larger metropolitan areas, such as Joplin, Jefferson City, and Branson boast a good selection of medical specialists, making them popular destinations for those seeking the best care in Missouri," said one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Missouri. Most pharmacies in the state carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of brand-name medications, which can be more affordable for patients. Additionally, some pharmacies offer specialty medications for rare conditions, as well as compounded medications that are tailored to the individual patient's needs," wrote one expat.

"Medical care in Missouri is generally very good. Most cities and towns across the state have adequate access to medical facilities and services, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and urgent care facilities. The state boasts skilled and experienced healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, who can handle a wide range of medical issues. According to the Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri hospitals are able to provide world-class care, with many of the state's hospitals ranking among the best in the country in terms of patient outcomes," said an expat in Missouri.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Missouri, you will have access to public healthcare. Missouri offers a variety of public health care options, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs provide access to health care services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care. Additionally, Missouri has a number of community health centers that provide free or low-cost health care services to those who qualify. The quality of care varies depending on the provider, but overall, Missouri's public health care system is considered to be of good quality," remarked one expat living in Missouri.

"In Missouri, the healthcare system has been strained during the pandemic, with many hospitals and clinics facing shortages of staff and supplies. Access to care has been limited, with many appointments being cancelled or postponed. Telehealth services have been used to help bridge the gap, but many people have still had difficulty accessing the care they need. The state has also implemented measures to help protect healthcare workers, such as providing additional personal protective equipment and expanding testing capacity. Despite these efforts, the pandemic has put a strain on the healthcare system in Missouri, and many people are still struggling to access the care they need," remarked one expat in Missouri.