Purpose
The purpose of this toolkit is to support partners, community organizations, providers, and advocates in understanding the new federal requirements under H.R.1 and to provide guidance on how to communicate the changes to the public, especially MO HealthNet members. Below, we provide clear, plain language, member-centric information and messaging to ensure Missouri Citizens stay connected, stay informed, and stay covered.
This toolkit focuses on providing plain-language, reassuring, transparent, and action-driven communication giving citizens the information they need to take action if required.
H.R. 1 Overview
House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1), also known as Public Law #119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or the Working Families Tax Cut legislation, created changes for public benefit programs like MO HealthNet. Designed to improve how social services are delivered, notable changes include non-citizen eligibility, community engagement requirements, 6-month renewals, retroactive coverage, and cost-sharing.
It is important to reassure citizens that receiving an Adult Expansion Group (AEG) Community Engagement Outreach Notice is not a termination of coverage notice. The new requirement does not go into effect until January 2027.
Upon application or renewal starting January 1, 2027, those in the AEG will need to meet the community engagement requirement. FSD will first review available information and will formally notify citizens of the determination or request additional information when necessary to formally verify and make a verified determination.
- Timeline of Changes to MO HealthNet (Medicaid)
- Communication Strategy
The goal is to increase awareness about the upcoming H.R.1 Community Engagement requirements by focusing on clear, plain-language, and consistent messaging that is member-centered to avoid creating unnecessary confusion or concern for citizens.
All messaging must be:
- Clear, plain language
- Informative, reassuring tone
- Member-centered
- Action-driven guidance
- Direct citizens to the H.R.1 website as the source of truth
- Core Messaging
Communicate information in consistent, plain language to drive understanding and provide direction on what to do next.
- Stay Connected – keep your contact information up to date and report changes to FSD.
- Stay Informed – Federal changes begin January 1, 2027, that will affect some adults in the Adult Expansion Group (AEG). Visit dss.mo.gov/hr1 for more information.
- Stay Covered – read notices from DSS carefully and complete requests for information by the deadline.
- Need more information – Go to dss.mo.gov/hr1 or call the FSD helpline (855) 373-4636.
- Communication Channels
Communications will be distributed using multiple channels. We encourage our partners, community organizations, providers, advocates, and members to like, share, and repost content across the different channels, enhancing awareness, information sharing, and engagement to ensure everyone has the information they need before they need it.
Communications will be sent out from DSS and FSD through multiple channels, including:
- Mail (official DSS notices and letters)
- FSD Newsletters
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Website (primary source of information)
- Press Releases
- Partners
Outreach Materials
Help share the news! Below we have approved materials to share.
- Glossary of Terms
- Flyers & Posters
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Informational Video
- Sample Notices
Non-Citizen Notice
AEG Community Engagement Outreach Notice
Social Media Copy
The social media copy and graphic below can be posted. Be sure to share only approved messaging to ensure consistent information and reduce unnecessary confusion or concern among citizens. Additionally, follow, like, tag, share, and repost DSS content. DSS partners and community organizations are also encouraged to share their own posts using the approved content below. Be sure to tag DSS and always refer citizens to mydss.mo.gov/hr1, the central hub for information.
Message #1:
🚨Medicaid eligibility requirements are changing for some adults in the Adult Expansion Group (AEG)!
Look for an official notice from DSS coming to your mailbox between August and September explaining the changes, including community engagement and 6-month renewals.
For more information, visit mydss.mo.gov/hr1.
Message #2:
📣Medicaid eligibility requirements are changing for the Adult Expansion Group.
✅Keep your address, phone number, and email up to date
✅ Opt in and sign up for all DSS and FSD communications
✅ Follow DSS on social media
✅ Watch for official notices and letters
Visit mydss.mo.gov/hr1 for more information!
Message #3:
Wondering whether H.R.1 Community Engagement requirements may apply to you?
Try out the new Community Engagement Screening Tool. This tool can help you better understand whether you may need to meet the upcoming Community Engagement requirements or if you may qualify for an exception or exclusion.
mydss.mo.gov/hr1/community-engagement-screener.
Social Channels
Facebook: @MOSocialServices
Instagram: @mo.socialservices
LinkedIn: Missouri Department of Social Services
Participant Resources & Tools
Participant resources and tools are found on the H.R.1 Information Hub at dss.mo.gov/hr1. Please use DSS approved materials and check back regularly for updates!