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From the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast shores to blues music roots and Southern hospitality, Mississippi remains a desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Mississippi reflects gradual improvements in access to coverage, despite the state not expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Mississippi.
Health Insurance Options in Mississippi
Mississippi offers a variety of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs based on age, income, employment status, and family size. Here are the most common types of coverage available:
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Many Mississippi residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is often the most straightforward and cost-effective option.
ACA Marketplace Plans
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through state or federal Marketplaces. These plans provide essential health benefits, preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.
Mississippi residents can access ACA coverage through the federal Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. If you don’t have employer-sponsored coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to help lower your monthly premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.
Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this effort, CMS will reduce the ACA subsidies by $5 per month for individuals who are automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.
ACA Plan Types
Marketplace plans are organized into four metal levels based on how costs are shared between you and the insurance company:
- Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
- Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
- Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
- Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Metal Tier Breakdown:
| Metal Tier | Insurance Company Pays | Consumer Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
Medicaid
Mississippi’s Medicaid program provides free or low-cost health coverage for certain low-income residents, including children, parents, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Although Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, it still provides access for those who meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
Covered benefits typically include preventive care, hospital services, maternity care, prescriptions, and mental health services.
Student Health Insurance
College students in any state have multiple health insurance options, including staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in a school-sponsored plan, or applying for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans—making Mississippi student health insurance accessible and flexible for a wide range of needs.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Mississippi administers CHIP as part of its Medicaid program. It provides affordable health coverage to children under 19 and pregnant women in families that earn too much to qualify for full Medicaid. Covered services include routine checkups, hospital care, immunizations, mental health services, and more.
Medicare
Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone with Medicare, helping pay for medications and many vaccines. Offered by private insurers, these plans vary in cost and coverage and can be joined during specific enrollment periods.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay. Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, these plans can limit your expenses for medical services.
COBRA Coverage
If you recently lost your job-based health coverage, COBRA allows you to temporarily continue your employer-provided insurance, usually at full cost. This option offers continued protection while you transition to new coverage.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term medical (STM) plans offer flexible, low-cost coverage for up to four months, ideal for healthy individuals in transition. However, STM plans aren’t guaranteed issue, lack subsidies, and may exclude key benefits like maternity, mental health, and pre-existing conditions—making them less suitable for long-term or comprehensive needs.
Explore all non-ACA health plans that may fit your needs and lifestyle.
Enrollment Periods in Mississippi
Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage:
November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
During this window, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their ACA Marketplace plans.
Special Enrollment Period
If you experience a qualifying life event (QLE), such as:
- Job loss
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption
- Relocation
- Change in income
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll in or change your plan.
Health Insurance Providers in Mississippi
As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through Healthcare.gov:
- Ambetter of Magnolia
- Molina Healthcare
- Cigna
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi (off-Marketplace)
Plan availability varies by county and ZIP code, and new insurers may enter the Marketplace depending on regulatory updates.
Understanding Health Insurance Costs
Understanding basic health insurance terms can help you compare plans more confidently:
- Premium: The amount you pay monthly to maintain your plan
- Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering services
- Copayment (Copay): A fixed fee for services like doctor visits
- Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost of services you pay after meeting your deductible
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered healthcare services
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using in-network providers generally lowers your costs
Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms—from agents to costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—to help you make confident coverage decisions.
Bottom Line
Health insurance in Mississippi includes a variety of options—from employer-sponsored coverage and Marketplace plans to public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By exploring your eligibility and applying during the correct enrollment period, you can secure reliable health insurance that fits your health needs and financial situation.
Need help choosing a plan?
Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to estimate your potential savings, or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized guidance.
