Mississippi Medicaid Healthcare Guide
This guide is here to specifically help you learn what health benefits you might be eligible for as there are solutions that bridge the gap between state and private insurance companies such as Medicare advantage plans that are designed to coordinate with Mississippi Medicaid health services program.
The Medicaid program in Mississippi is a federal health care program that allows temporary assistance for needy families or economically vulnerable Mississippians to access medical services and prescriptions that they may not have otherwise been able to afford.
The Mississippi division of Medicaid eligibility requirements and coverage are not the same as other states, and over 25 percent of Mississippi residents receive medical assistance from the state Medicaid program.
Click below to learn more about MS Medicaid:
- What Does MS Medicaid Cover?
- How to get Both Medicare and Medicaid in Mississippi
- MississippiCAN Coordinated Care
- Mississippi Medicaid Eligibility
- How to Apply for Mississippi Medicaid
What Does MS Medicaid Cover?
Qualified MS Medicaid members are eligible for coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, family planning, eyeglasses, long-term care nursing facilities, psychiatric care, prescriptions, copayments, and more.
MS Medicaid Transportation Services
To get MS Medicaid transportation services, you must have no other means of getting to and from the appointment. Non-Emergency transportation can only be used for getting to and from Medicaid-covered appointments.
If you are part of a MississippiCAN Coordinated Care Organization, you’ll need to book your ride through your plan. Everyone else can call 1-866-331-6004 for bookings.
How to get Both Medicare and Medicaid in Mississippi
Did you know that you can benefit from both Medicare AND Medicaid? While Medicaid is mostly for low-income individuals, Medicare is for aged or disabled individuals (regardless of income). You can qualify for Medicare if you are age 65 or older, if you have received Social Security Disability Income for at least 24 months, or if you are diagnosed with either End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS.
Once you determine whether or not you think you are eligible for both programs, you may want to speak to a licensed agent in your area. If you qualify for both programs, you may qualify for a dual-eligible special needs plan (DSNP). A DSNP is a form of Medicare Advantage, a Medicare plan that can provide benefits above and beyond what traditional Medicare covers. When you have a DSNP, you can have all your eligible benefits covered at little or no cost.
We have independent sales agents throughout the state of Mississippi who can help you look at all of your Medicare and Medicaid options to help you determine which is the best for you.
Just click here or give us a call.
MississippiCAN Coordinated Care Organizations
A Coordinated Care Organization improves beneficiary access to doctors and services, improves care quality, and improves the overall efficiency of the Medicaid program. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) has implemented the Mississippi Coordinated Access Network (MississippiCAN) including Magnolia Health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Molina Healthcare.
Magnolia Health
In addition to health coverage for eligible Medicaid services, Magnolia Health Plan has a rewards program that gives you another reason to stay healthy. Through “My Health Pays,” you’ll receive a Visa prepaid card. Rewards dollars will be added to your card every time you complete a healthy activity, like:
- $20 for getting your annual flu vaccine
- $25 for completing your health information form
- $25 for your first well care visit
- $20 for your adult annual well care visit
- $30 for completing your annual comprehensive diabetes care
- $20 for breast (ages 40-69) and cervical cancer (ages 21-64) screenings
- $50 for completing your notification of pregnancy form within your first trimester ($25 if completed in the second trimester)
- $20 for a postpartum doctor visit
- $10 for infant and young child EPSDT visits (early and periodic screenings, diagnostics, and treatment)
- $20 for EPSTD visits for ages 3-21.
You can use your card to shop for everyday items at Walmart, pay your utility bills, and pay for transportation, childcare, education, and rent. Certain products, like alcohol and tobacco, cannot be purchased with this card.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
The UnitedHealthcare Community Plan is one of the largest Medicaid plans in the nation. Their plan includes “extra” benefits like interpreters and translations for non-native speakers, routine immunizations, a 24-7 nurse line, urgent care, chiropractic services for qualifying members, and unlimited doctor visits. Uniquely, the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan also includes the “Farm to Fork” program, which allows you to pick up a bag of fresh produce every month.
On top of their Medicaid option, they also have a “dual complete” plan for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Molina Healthcare
Aside from the great medical and prescription drug benefits that Molina Healthcare offers for MississippiCAN members, they offer the following competitive rewards:
- Attend six prenatal visits and receive a free Costco car seat
- Visit your doctor within 21-56 days after having a baby for a $25 gift card
- Get a $25 gift card when you take your kids ages 1-3 and 12-13 to all scheduled checkups
- Get a free bike helmet or First Aid Only child ID kit when your kids ages 4-11 attend all scheduled checkups
- Women who join during pregnancy get $25 when they attend their first visit and all scheduled second-trimester visits
- Get a $25 gift card for qualifying mammogram services
- Get a $25 gift card for getting yearly diabetic lab work and retinal eye exams
- Fresh fruits and vegetables through local churches and organizations
- Up to 10 weeks of online Weight Watchers services
- Eligible members can get a Safelink Tracfone with free 24-7 communication with your Molina care manager, transportation, and community organizations as well as access to the HealthinHand app with appointment reminders
Mississippi Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Medicaid eligibility is based on household size and income, with these additional requirements:
- Children cannot have additional health insurance coverage and qualify for the Mississippi Children’s Health Insurance Program (Medicaid)
- Parents/caretakers must comply with child support to continue to receive benefits
- A child born to a Medicaid-eligible mother will automatically receive Medicaid for one year.
- Pregnant minors (under 19) can qualify regardless of family income
- If you are working while disabled, your income cannot exceed 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and you must work at least 40 hours per month. If you earn more than 150 percent you will owe a monthly premium.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) beneficiaries are automatically eligible
- Non-documented or non-qualified immigrants can only receive coverage for medical emergencies
Your income must match the chart below:
What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi?
According to the state of Mississippi, “Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules for Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) are used to determine countable income and, in some instances, household size. Household gross income is then compared to the limits shown below based on household size for the applicable program. A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) is applied, if needed, and is reflected in the amounts shown below. Eligibility is determined for Medicaid first, then CHIP using the 5% FPL disregard. The limits below are effective March 1, 2024.”
How do I apply for Mississippi Medicaid online?
When you apply for Medicaid in Mississippi, you will need legal documentation for your whole family, like your Social Security numbers, birthdates, employer/income information, and health insurance policy numbers. You can apply for MS Medicaid online through Healthcare.gov or by downloading and electronically submitting the application.
If you prefer, you can print and mail your application to the Office of Eligibility at the Division of Medicaid at 550 High St, Suite 1000, Jackson, MS 39201. You can also visit one of the Mississippi Medicaid offices (see below) and apply in person.
Mississippi Medicaid Regional Offices
Need help with your application? The Mississippi Medicaid office in your county can answer any questions you have about applying and may be able to provide a paper application. The central Medicaid office for Mississippi is located in Jackson, at the Walter Sillers building (550 High Street, Suite 1000, Jackson, MS 39201). Click here for the site closest to you.
