If you live in Mississippi and need affordable health coverage, understanding the state's Medicaid eligibility rules is essential. Mississippi is one of the few states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means eligibility remains limited to specific groups such as children, pregnant women, parents with dependent children, and individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. This guide covers everything you need to know about Mississippi Medicaid eligibility in 2026, including current income limits, how to apply, and options if you do not qualify.
You can also check your eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs by using our free benefits screener. For a broader look at programs available in the state, visit the Mississippi Benefits Overview.
Who Qualifies for Mississippi Medicaid in 2026?
Because Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, the program does not cover most low-income adults without children. Eligibility is restricted to these categories:
- Infants (birth to age 1) in families with income up to 194% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Children ages 1 to 5 in families with income up to 143% FPL
- Children ages 6 to 18 in families with income up to 133% FPL
- Pregnant women with income up to 194% FPL
- Parents and caretaker relatives with dependent children under 18 (very low income limits, roughly 24% FPL)
- Aged, blind, or disabled individuals who meet income and asset requirements
- Individuals eligible for the Family Planning Waiver (ages 13 to 44) at 194% FPL
Children who do not qualify for Medicaid but have family income up to 209% FPL may be eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Mississippi Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
The income limits below are set by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid and are effective as of March 1, 2026. These figures use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and include a built-in 5% FPL disregard.
Medicaid for Infants (Birth to Age 1) at 194% FPL
| Household 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 households larger than 8, add $919 per additional person.
Medicaid for Children Ages 1 to 5 at 143% FPL
| Household 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 households larger than 8, add $677 per additional person.
Medicaid for Children Ages 6 to 18 at 133% FPL
| Household 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 households larger than 8, add $630 per additional person.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives (Dependent Children Under 18)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $294 |
| 2 | $396 |
| 3 | $498 |
| 4 | $600 |
| 5 | $702 |
| 6 | $804 |
| 7 | $906 |
| 8 | $1,007 |
For households larger than 8, add $78 per additional person.
Pregnant Women and Family Planning Waiver at 194% FPL
| Household 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 households larger than 8, add $919 per additional person.
CHIP for Uninsured Children (Up to Age 19) at 209% FPL
| Household 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 households larger than 8, add $990 per additional person.
Understanding the Mississippi Medicaid Coverage Gap
Because Mississippi has not adopted Medicaid expansion, there is a significant "coverage gap" that affects many residents. Adults without dependent children generally cannot qualify for Medicaid regardless of how low their income is. And parents whose income is above the very low Medicaid threshold (roughly $498 per month for a family of 3) but below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level may earn too much for Medicaid but too little to qualify for ACA Marketplace premium subsidies.
If you fall into this gap, here are some options to explore:
- ACA Marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov if your income is at or above 100% FPL
- Community health centers that offer care on a sliding fee scale
- Hospital charity care programs for emergency and ongoing needs
- Free clinics operated by nonprofit organizations across the state
Use our free screener to check whether you may qualify for other assistance programs such as SNAP, LIHEAP, or WIC.
How to Apply for Mississippi Medicaid
There are several ways to submit a Medicaid application in Mississippi:
Step 1: Determine the Right Application
Mississippi uses two main application forms:
- MAGI Application for children, pregnant women, parents with children under 18, and the Family Planning Waiver
- ABD Application for individuals who are aged (65+), blind, or disabled
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply through any of the following:
- Online through the Access MS portal at accessms.ms.gov. You will need to create an account.
- By mail by downloading the application from medicaid.ms.gov and mailing it to: Division of Medicaid, P.O. Box 2222, Jackson, MS 39225.
- By phone by calling the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408.
- In person at your local Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) county office.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Before applying, prepare the following:
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements)
- Proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Information about any current health insurance coverage
Step 4: Submit and Follow Up
After submitting your application, the Division of Medicaid will review it and may request additional documentation. Processing typically takes up to 45 days (90 days for disability-related applications). You can check your application status through the Access MS portal or by calling 1-800-421-2408.
Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Individuals
Mississippi provides Medicaid coverage for residents who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. These programs use different income and asset rules than MAGI-based programs:
- Income limit: Generally up to 135% FPL for individuals who are not Medicare eligible. For nursing home Medicaid, the income limit in 2026 is approximately $2,982 per month for a single applicant.
- Asset limit: Typically $4,000 for an individual (nursing home Medicaid).
- Spousal protections may allow the community spouse to retain a higher level of assets and income.
Because these rules can be complex, especially for long-term care planning, consider consulting with a Medicaid planning professional or elder law attorney.
What Does Mississippi Medicaid Cover?
Mississippi Medicaid covers a range of services including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient services
- Prescription medications
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Home health services
- Nursing home care (for those who qualify)
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Dental and vision care for children
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) for children under 21
Most Mississippi Medicaid beneficiaries receive their care through managed care organizations (MCOs) such as Magnolia Health or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Mississippi expanded Medicaid?
No. As of 2026, Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This means most low-income adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid in the state.
What is the income limit for a family of 4 to qualify for Mississippi Medicaid?
It depends on who in the family is applying. For a child under age 1 in a household of 4, the monthly income limit is $5,473. For parents and caretaker relatives, the limit is just $600 per month for a family of 4.
Can childless adults get Medicaid in Mississippi?
Generally, no. Without Medicaid expansion, childless adults in Mississippi do not qualify for Medicaid unless they are aged, blind, or disabled.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Mississippi?
The Division of Medicaid typically processes applications within 45 days. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days.
Can I apply for retroactive Medicaid coverage?
Yes. Mississippi Medicaid may cover medical bills for up to three months before the date of your application, as long as you were eligible during that period.
Where can I check my Medicaid application status?
You can check your status through the Access MS portal or by calling the Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408.
What is the difference between Medicaid and CHIP in Mississippi?
Medicaid covers children at lower income levels (up to 133% or 143% FPL depending on age), while CHIP covers uninsured children up to age 19 in families with income up to 209% FPL. Eligibility is determined for Medicaid first, then CHIP.
Next Steps
Not sure if you qualify? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Mississippi Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and other programs in just a few minutes. You can also explore the Mississippi Benefits Overview for a complete list of available assistance programs in the state.
For official information, visit the Mississippi Division of Medicaid or call 1-800-421-2408.
