UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 05, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Obtaining health insurance in Mississippi is a simple process and not one to be overthought. We have all the information about your options here, so you’re wading through options alone. Finding the right Mississippi health insurance plan for you has never been easier.
Mississippi Open Enrollment Dates For Health Insurance
In Mississippi, the Open Enrollment period for health insurance runs from November 1st to January 15th.
Mississippi Health Insurance Demographics
Demographics are considered when insurers give you a quote on a health insurance plan in Mississippi. Income, age, education level, and where you live all come into play.
- Average Household Income: The average household income in Mississippi is $65,156. The median household income is $46,511.
- Median Age Range: The median age range is 33.8 years of age.
- Education: Mississippi ranks next to last, ahead of West Virginia in four-year college degree attainment. Only 20.4% of adults have at least a 4-year degree.
What Type Of Marketplace Does Mississippi Have?
Mississippi has a federally run health insurance exchange. Residents enroll for the exchange through Healthcare.gov. Ambetter/Magnolia and Molina offer plans as of 2021, and Cigna and Vantage Health Plan of Mississippi joined in 2022.
How many people are insured through the Mississippi health insurance Marketplace?
Enrollment in the program grew between 2014-2016 but dropped in 2017. However, by 2021 it reached a record high in enrollment with nearly 111,000 people.
Did Mississippi implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Mississippi Medicaid wasn’t expanded under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Mississippi is one of 12 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid since 2021.
When can you purchase ACA health insurance in Mississippi?
Open enrollment for the Mississippi exchange ran from November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022. A qualifying event is necessary to enroll or change your coverage outside open enrollment.
Types of ACA Plans In Mississippi
Mississippi health insurance plans are set in metal tiers, and the costs differ depending on the tier. The higher the tiered plan, the lower the out-of-pocket costs. Mississippi offers Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans through the healthcare exchange.
What carriers offer ACA insurance in Mississippi?
Four insurers offer exchange plans in Mississippi::
- Ambetter/Magnolia
- Vantage Health Plan of Mississippi
- Molina
- Cigna
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost In Mississippi?
The average cost of health insurance in Mississippi in 2022 across all metal tiers is $514 monthly. That is 6% more expensive than the average for 2021.
Cheapest Health Insurance By Metal Tier In Mississippi
Mississippi residents can choose from four levels of plans. The table below shows the rates for the lowest-priced individual plans for each level.
| Metal Tier | Cheapest Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Core Care Bronze 1 | $475 | $6,100 | $8,550 |
| Bronze Expanded | Ambetter Essential Care | $435 | $8,300 | $8,700 |
| Silver | Ambetter Balanced Care 12 | $470 | $6,500 | $8,400 |
| Gold | Confident Care Gold 1 | $610 | $2,100 | $8,550 |
Cheapest Health Insurance By County
Rates can vary between counties. However, in Mississippi, the five largest counties have the same low-cost individual and family plan, and the price is the same.
| County Name | Cheapest Plan | Individual, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 & Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeSoto | Ambetter Balanced Care 12 | $470 | $940 | $1,165 |
| Harrison | Ambetter Balanced Care 12 | $470 | $940 | $1,165 |
| Hinds | Ambetter Balanced Care 12 | $470 | $940 | $1,165 |
| Jackson | Ambetter Balanced Care 12 | $470 | $940 | $1,165 |
| Rankin | Ambetter Balanced Care 12 | $470 | $940 | $1,165 |
Are Subsidies Available In Mississippi?
Most of Mississippi’s exchange enrollees – 98% – received premium subsidies as of early 2021. It’s not surprising since Mississippi had the lowest average household income in the United States.
Can You Purchase Off-Exchange Insurance Coverage In Mississippi?
Mississippi has a federally facilitated exchange, and residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. The state oversees aspects of the plans available for sale in the exchange.
Can You Purchase Short-Term Insurance In Mississippi?
Short-term health insurance in Mississippi is available. They extend from one month to just short of a year. You can reapply for your policy for up to three years of coverage.
Health Insurance Options For Low-Income People In Mississippi
Health insurance is available for low-income people. There are Medicare and Medicaid programs for people looking for health insurance in Mississippi. Below are a few options to choose from.
What Medicare Options Are Available In Mississippi?
Medicare is federal health insurance available in Mississippi that covers people over 65 and adults with long-term disabilities. As of 2018, there are 606,646 residents in Mississippi enrolled in Medicare.
To offset some of the medical expenses normal Medicare doesn’t cover, residents can also get a Medicare Supplement program and/or Medicare Part D, which covers the cost of prescription drugs.
Medicaid In Mississippi
Medicaid provides low-income people healthcare in Mississippi. As of 2020, 632,427 residents are enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid is available for low-income children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, adults, and seniors.
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans In Mississippi
Cheap health insurance in Mississippi is available. Depending on whether you want to pay a low premium or have low out-of-pocket costs, there is a plan for you.
Cheapest health plan in Mississippi with low out-of-pocket maximums
People with high medical costs opt for Mississippi health insurance with high premiums. The out-of-pocket costs end up being lower, and you reach the maximum out-of-pocket limit quicker, and your insurer starts covering your costs. The cheapest plan is Ambetter Secure Care 5 at $643 monthly. The out-of-pocket maximum doesn’t exceed $4,250.
Cheapest health plan in Mississippi with high out-of-pocket maximums
Young adults in good health opt for a plan with lower premiums as they likely won’t pay the high out-of-pocket fees. You only pay those costs if you have a medical emergency. The cheapest plan is Core Care Bronze 2 from Molina Healthcare at $328 per month. The out-of-pocket maximum, on average, is $8,250 annually.
Cheapest health plan in Mississippi with an HSA option
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great option for people who don’t visit the doctor regularly. It allows you to save up with pre-tax contributions that you only use if needed. The cheapest plan is from Ambetter from Magnolia Health, called Ambetter Essential Care 2 HSA, at $448 monthly.
Cheapest HMO/PPO/POS health insurance plans
Mississippi health insurance Marketplace offers only health maintenance organization (HMO) programs. It would help if you stayed within your provider network to have services covered, except in emergencies. Constant Care Silver 2 from Molina Healthcare is the cheapest at $463 monthly.
FAQs
What’s the average cost of health insurance in Mississippi?
The average cost of health insurance in Mississippi is $514 monthly.
Does Mississippi have free healthcare?
Medicaid and Medicare are available for low-income people who qualify.
How much is Obamacare in Mississippi?
The average monthly premium for an ACA plan in 2021 ranges from $267 to $544, depending on your age.
How many people in Mississippi have private healthcare?
In 2020, 91,483 Mississippi residents enrolled in a private plan through the Marketplace.
Does Mississippi use healthcare.gov?
Yes. Residents who purchase health insurance in the exchange enroll through Healthcare.gov.
How To Buy Cheap Health Insurance In Mississippi
To purchase health insurance in Mississippi, you should compare several plans and prices. This way, you know you’re getting the best possible coverage for the best price. When ready, use our online quote tool to see your options.
