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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2026
CONTACT: Baylee.Watts@dss.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Social Services Launches H.R. 1 Communications Toolkit to Help Partners Prepare for Upcoming Changes
New online resource provides ready-to-use information and materials to help partners share clear, consistent H.R. 1 information with Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) has launched an H.R. 1 Communications Toolkit to help community organizations, providers, advocates, and other partners understand upcoming federal changes and share clear, consistent information with the people and communities they serve.
This toolkit provides approved, plain‑language communications and resources to help partners inform Missourians about changes related to H.R. 1, including the new Community Engagement Requirements for MO HealthNet’s Adult Expansion Group.
H.R. 1, also known as Public Law 119-21 or One Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes changes affecting public benefit programs such as MO HealthNet. Implementation is occurring in phases, with some of the most significant changes for certain Adult Expansion Group participants beginning January 1, 2027.
The Communications Toolkit is designed to make it easier for organizations that work directly with Missourians to find and share trusted DSS information. Resources available through the toolkit include:
- Approved plain-language messaging
- H.R. 1 Frequently Asked Questions
- Community Engagement information and educational materials
- Flyers and posters
- Sample participant notices
- Social media graphics and copy
- A Community Engagement overview video
- The FSD Common Terms & H.R. 1 Glossary
- Links to the Community Engagement Screening Tool and additional participant resources
The toolkit also provides partners with consistent core messages encouraging citizens to stay connected, stay informed, and stay covered by keeping their contact information current, reading DSS notices carefully, responding when information is requested, and using official DSS resources when they have questions.
As more information and resources become available, they will be added to the Toolkit for use.
“Community partners play a vital role in helping Missourians understand changes that may affect them. This toolkit provides trusted, ready-to-use information organizations can share with the people they serve, ensuring Missourians know where to turn for accurate information as implementation moves forward,” said Director Mandi Adams, Family Support Division. “Partners also provide valuable feedback on behalf of the Missourians they serve, helping us continually improve our communications and processes. As a reminder, organizations with this type of feedback can send it to FSD.HR1@dss.mo.gov.”
Helping Missourians Understand What Comes Next
Beginning January 1, 2027, Community Engagement Requirements will apply to some adults ages 19 through 64 receiving MO HealthNet through the Adult Expansion Group.
The requirements do not apply to everyone receiving MO HealthNet. DSS has developed several resources to help participants, staff, providers, and community partners better understand who may be affected and what individuals may need to do to meet the new requirements.
The online Community Engagement Screening Tool allows users to walk through individual scenarios and learn whether the requirements may apply, whether an exclusion or exception may apply, or whether qualifying activities may already meet the requirement. The screening tool is informational and does not make an official eligibility determination.
DSS encourages partners and community organizations to become familiar with the resources available on Missouri’s H.R. 1 website and share approved materials within their communities. Missourians and partners are encouraged to visit the website regularly for new information and resources as they become available.
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