Applying for Medicaid in Mississippi can feel overwhelming, but the process is more straightforward than many people realize. Whether you are a parent, a pregnant woman, or applying on behalf of a child, this guide walks you through every step of getting covered through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can start with our free benefits screener to check your eligibility in just a few minutes.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means eligibility is more limited than in expansion states. Coverage is primarily available to the following groups:
- Children from birth through age 18
- Pregnant women of any age
- Parents and caretaker relatives with dependent children under 18
- Aged adults (65 and older) who meet income and resource requirements
- Blind or disabled individuals of any age
- Children with disabilities through the Katie Beckett Program
Notably, most childless adults under 65 in Mississippi do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. This is known as the "coverage gap." If you fall into this group, you may want to explore options through the federal marketplace at Healthcare.gov or check for other programs using our benefits screener.
Mississippi Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
Income limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and vary by household size and the category of coverage. The following tables reflect the limits effective March 1, 2026, as published by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
Medicaid for Infants (Birth to Age 1) | 194% FPL
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,648 |
| 2 | $3,589 |
| 3 | $4,531 |
| 4 | $5,473 |
| 5 | $6,415 |
| 6 | $7,357 |
| 7 | $8,299 |
| 8 | $9,241 |
For families larger than eight, add $919 per additional person.
Medicaid for Children Age 1 to 5 | 143% FPL
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,969 |
| 2 | $2,669 |
| 3 | $3,370 |
| 4 | $4,071 |
| 5 | $4,771 |
| 6 | $5,472 |
| 7 | $6,173 |
| 8 | $6,872 |
For families larger than eight, add $677 per additional person.
Medicaid for Children Age 6 to 18 | 133% FPL
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 |
| 2 | $2,489 |
| 3 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $3,796 |
| 5 | $4,449 |
| 6 | $5,102 |
| 7 | $5,756 |
| 8 | $6,408 |
For families larger than eight, add $630 per additional person.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $294 |
| 2 | $396 |
| 3 | $498 |
| 4 | $600 |
| 5 | $702 |
| 6 | $804 |
| 7 | $906 |
| 8 | $1,007 |
For families larger than eight, add $78 per additional person.
Note that the income limits for parents and caretakers are extremely low. A family of three, for example, must earn less than $498 per month (roughly $5,976 per year) to qualify. This is one of the strictest Medicaid thresholds in the country.
Pregnant Women | 194% FPL
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,648 |
| 2 | $3,589 |
| 3 | $4,531 |
| 4 | $5,473 |
| 5 | $6,415 |
| 6 | $7,357 |
| 7 | $8,299 |
| 8 | $9,241 |
For families larger than eight, add $919 per additional person. Pregnant minors under 19 may qualify regardless of family income.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) | 209% FPL
Children who do not qualify for Medicaid but are uninsured may be eligible for CHIP if family income is below 209% of the federal poverty level.
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,847 |
| 2 | $3,859 |
| 3 | $4,873 |
| 4 | $5,886 |
| 5 | $6,898 |
| 6 | $7,912 |
| 7 | $8,925 |
| 8 | $9,937 |
For families larger than eight, add $990 per additional person.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Mississippi: Step by Step
There are several ways to submit your Mississippi Medicaid application. Choose whichever method is most convenient for you.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you begin, collect the following information for each person you want to include on the application:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
- Proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or mail with your address)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or self-employment records)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents)
- Proof of pregnancy if applicable (statement from your doctor)
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online (Recommended) Apply through the Access MS online portal at accessms.ms.gov. This is the fastest way to submit your application and check its status.
By Phone Call the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 during business hours. A representative can help you complete your application over the phone.
In Person Visit your local Mississippi Division of Medicaid regional office. You can find office locations on the Division of Medicaid website.
By Mail Download the application form from the Division of Medicaid website or request one by phone, then mail it to:
Mississippi Division of Medicaid P.O. Box 2222 Jackson, Mississippi 39225
Through the Federal Marketplace You can also apply through Healthcare.gov. If the marketplace determines you may be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, your information will be automatically transferred to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for a formal decision. No separate application is needed.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Fill out the application with accurate information for everyone in your household. Be sure to include all sources of income, even if you think they may not count. The Division of Medicaid uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules from the IRS to determine your eligibility.
Step 4: Submit Required Verification
After submitting your application, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify the information you provided. Respond to these requests promptly. You will have a limited time window to submit verification, and delays can result in your application being denied.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Mississippi is required to process your application within 45 days (or 90 days for disability-related cases). You will receive a written notice of the decision by mail. If approved, your coverage may begin retroactively up to three months before the month you applied, as long as you would have been eligible during that time.
What Medicaid Covers in Mississippi
Mississippi Medicaid provides a comprehensive set of benefits including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription medications
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Dental care for children
- Vision care for children
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Home health services
- Nursing facility care
Coverage details may vary depending on the specific eligibility group. Children enrolled in CHIP receive a similar set of benefits.
The Coverage Gap in Mississippi
Because Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, there is a significant "coverage gap" that affects many low-income adults. If you earn too much to qualify for Medicaid as a parent or caretaker but too little to qualify for marketplace subsidies (which start at 100% of the federal poverty level), you may fall into this gap.
For example, a single parent with one child earning $500 per month would earn too much for Mississippi Medicaid ($396 limit for a family of two) but too little for marketplace premium tax credits. If you are in this situation, consider checking whether you qualify for other assistance programs through our free benefits screener.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply as soon as possible. Medicaid coverage can be backdated up to three months before your application month if you were eligible during that period.
- Be thorough and accurate. Incomplete applications cause delays. Double-check all income figures and personal information.
- Respond quickly to verification requests. Missing the deadline for requested documents is one of the most common reasons applications are denied.
- Keep copies of everything. Make copies of your application and all documents you submit.
- Ask for help if you need it. Call the Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 or visit a local office if you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Mississippi?
The state must process your application within 45 days for most cases, or 90 days for disability-related applications. Processing times may vary depending on whether you need to submit additional verification.
Can I apply for Medicaid and CHIP at the same time?
Yes. When you submit a Medicaid application in Mississippi, the Division of Medicaid will automatically check your children's eligibility for CHIP if they do not qualify for Medicaid. You do not need to submit a separate application.
Is there a cost for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Medicaid is free for most enrollees. CHIP may have small copayments for certain services, but premiums are not charged.
Can I get Medicaid if I am an adult without children?
In most cases, no. Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, so childless adults under 65 generally do not qualify unless they are disabled, blind, or meet other specific criteria. You may be eligible for subsidized health insurance through Healthcare.gov depending on your income.
What if my application is denied?
You have the right to appeal. The denial notice will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing. You typically have 30 days from the date of the notice to file an appeal.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for full Medicaid benefits. However, emergency Medicaid may cover emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status.
Other Benefits You May Qualify For
Many people who qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi also qualify for other assistance programs such as SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), LIHEAP (utility assistance), and WIC (nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children). Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for multiple programs at once.
For a complete overview of available programs, visit our Mississippi Benefits Overview page.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Eligibility requirements and income limits are subject to change. For the most current information, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 or visit medicaid.ms.gov. Income limits shown are effective March 1, 2026, as published by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
