Mississippi is among the ten states whose uninsured population has decreased most since Obamacare took effect. The state’s healthcare landscape now includes coverage available through the federally facilitated exchange, employers, the private marketplace, and programs such as Medicaid and CHIP.
Mississippi and the Affordable Care Act
The federal government operates Mississippi’s Obamacare exchange. Therefore, Mississippians who want to take advantage of premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies must enroll in health plans available through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
Individuals and families who do not qualify for Obamacare’s income-based financial assistance may shop the private marketplace using websites such as HealthCare.org, which provides health insurance quotes for ACA-compliant major medical plans, as well as other healthcare benefits including short term health, supplemental health, dental and Medicare supplement plans.
Small business owners with 50 or fewer full-time employees can offer employee benefits through One, Mississippi, the state’s Small Business Health Insurance Options Program (SHOP).
Medicaid expansion in Mississippi
Mississippi has not yet expanded Medicaid to single, low-income adults ages 19 to 64. Those who want to apply for Medicaid must qualify based on criteria set by the state.
Mississippi CHIP
Mississippi’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health insurance coverage for uninsured children up to age 19.
Mississippi needs to work extremely hard, as it is the least healthy state in the country, according to America’s Health Ranking. A lot of work needs to be done before Mississippi can be considered healthy.
State officials and the State Department of Health need to evaluate and improve their current efforts, to ensure that Health improves in both effectiveness and accessibility. As the second worst state in the country, the situation needs to be better. One of the key changes is both the increase in the percentage of residents with Health Insurance Coverage an the increase of Government Health funding per capita in the state.
Mississippi Insurance Department Office:
1001 Woolfolk State Office Building
501 North West St.
Jackson, MS 39201
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 79
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: (800) 562-2957
http://www.mid.ms.gov
Mississippi State Department of Health
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: 1-866-458-4948
http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/
