Medicaid is a federal and state program created to provide medical assistance to eligible, low income populations. This service is in place to provide access to quality health care coverage for vulnerable Mississippians.
Mississippi Medicaid health benefits are available for many populations including children, low income families, aged, blind or disabled, and pregnant women. Individuals must meet certain requirements to receive benefits and services.
The benefits you qualify for depends on your income, age, family size and situation. These factors also determine if you qualify for full Medicaid benefits, reduced coverage or limited benefits. Additionally, some extra services beyond basic Medicaid are available through waiver programs.
Basic Eligibility Requirements to Get Coverage
The basic requirements to qualify for any Medicaid benefits in Mississippi are:
- You must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien.
- You must be a resident of Mississippi.
- You must meet requirements for age and/or disability, income and other Mississippi Medicaid eligibility requirements such as resources for certain aged, blind or disabled coverage groups.
- You must file an application form.
- You must provide requested verification within the allowed time limits.
For more information regarding eligibility, refer to the policies below:
Mississippi Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) creates insurance affordability programs as a way to get health coverage at no cost or lower cost than purchasing coverage on your own. In Mississippi, these programs include Mississippi Medicaid health benefits (Medicaid and CHIP) and health coverage through a federally facilitated marketplace (FFM).
Federally Facilitated Marketplace
Individuals or families with income above the poverty level and below 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) can purchase insurance through the FFM with premium tax credits that lower the cost of insurance. Certain households will also qualify for cost-sharing reductions for out-of-pocket expenses for insurance through the FFM. In order to qualify for insurance through the marketplace, an individual must not be eligible for Medicaid, CHIP or affordable job-based health coverage, as determined by the FFM.
Individuals who apply for health coverage through the FFM will be assessed for Medicaid and/or CHIP eligibility. If Medicaid or CHIP eligibility is a possibility for any family member, the marketplace will electronically transfer the individual’s account to the Division of Medicaid for a formal Medicaid decision. No separate application is needed to apply for Mississippi health benefits.
Notice of Privacy Practices
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) notice of privacy practices describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed. It also explains how you can get access to this information. Find out more about the HIPAA notice of privacy practices.
