Mississippi Medicaid covers hundreds of thousands of residents, but eligibility depends heavily on which category you fall into and how your household income compares to the federal poverty level (FPL). This guide breaks down the 2026 income limits for every Medicaid and CHIP category in Mississippi, effective March 1, 2026, so you know exactly where you stand before applying.
Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That means non-disabled adults without dependent children generally do not qualify, regardless of income. If you are in that group, you may fall into the coverage gap and need to explore Marketplace options instead. Use our free screener to check which programs you may qualify for in Mississippi.
Who Can Qualify for Mississippi Medicaid?
Mississippi Medicaid covers six main groups:
- Infants (birth to age 1)
- Children ages 1 to 6
- Children ages 6 to 19
- Parents and caretaker relatives of children under 18
- Pregnant women (including 12 months of postpartum coverage)
- Aged, blind, and disabled individuals
Adults who do not have dependent children and are not pregnant, disabled, or elderly do not qualify for standard Mississippi Medicaid.
2026 Mississippi Medicaid Income Limits by Category
All figures below are effective March 1, 2026, and reflect the 5% FPL disregard Mississippi applies to MAGI-based categories.
Infants (Birth to Age 1) — 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 |
Add $919 per month for each additional household member.
Children Ages 1 to 6 — 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 |
Add $677 per month for each additional household member.
Children Ages 6 to 19 — 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 |
Add $630 per month for each additional household member.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives — 22% FPL (Approximately)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $294 |
| 2 | $396 |
| 3 | $498 |
| 4 | $600 |
| 5 | $702 |
| 6 | $804 |
| 7 | $906 |
| 8 | $1,007 |
Add $78 per month for each additional household member.
This is one of the lowest parent income limits in the country. A family of three must earn under $498 per month to qualify. Many working parents in Mississippi earn too much for Medicaid but too little to afford Marketplace insurance, creating a coverage gap for a significant number of residents.
Pregnant Women and Family Planning Waiver — 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 |
Add $919 per month for each additional household member.
Pregnant women who qualify receive full Medicaid benefits during pregnancy and for 12 months postpartum. The Family Planning Waiver covers family planning services at the same income threshold even outside of pregnancy.
Mississippi CHIP Income Limits 2026
Children who earn too much for standard Medicaid may qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which covers children up to age 19.
Uninsured Children (Up to Age 19) — 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 |
Add $990 per month for each additional household member.
CHIP in Mississippi is administered by the Division of Medicaid and provides comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, dental, vision, and mental health services.
Summary: Mississippi Medicaid Income Limits at a Glance
| Category | FPL % | Monthly Limit (Family of 4) |
|---|
| Infants (0 to 1) | 194% | $5,473 |
| Children (1 to 6) | 143% | $4,071 |
| Children (6 to 19) | 133% | $3,796 |
| Pregnant Women | 194% | $5,473 |
| Parents/Caretakers | ~22% | $600 |
| CHIP (Children to 19) | 209% | $5,886 |
The Mississippi Coverage Gap
Because Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, an estimated 300,000 residents fall into a coverage gap. These are people who earn too little to receive Marketplace subsidies (below 100% FPL) but too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid as parents, or who have no qualifying category at all as single adults or childless couples.
If you fall in this gap, your options include:
- Community health centers: Federally qualified health centers serve patients regardless of ability to pay, with fees adjusted based on income.
- Mississippi State Department of Health clinics: Offer low-cost primary and preventive services.
- Free or reduced-cost prescription programs: Pharmaceutical manufacturers and nonprofits offer patient assistance programs.
Use our free benefits screener to find all programs you may qualify for, including alternatives if Medicaid is not available to you.
How to Apply for Mississippi Medicaid in 2026
What You Need Before You Apply
Gather these documents before starting your application:
- Social Security numbers for each person applying (or document numbers for legal immigrants)
- Dates of birth for all household members
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs or W-2 forms from the past month
- Information about any current health insurance policies
- Details on any employer-sponsored health insurance available to your family
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose your application method.
Mississippi offers four ways to apply for Medicaid:
- Online: Apply through the Mississippi Common Web Portal at access.ms.gov
- By phone: Call the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408
- In person: Visit one of the 30 DOM Regional Offices across the state
- By mail: Download a paper application from medicaid.ms.gov and mail it to your local regional office
Step 2: Submit your application with supporting documents.
If applying online, you can upload documents directly through the portal. If applying by mail or in person, include copies of your income verification, identification, and any other required documents.
Step 3: Wait for a determination.
After submitting, the Division of Medicaid will review your application. You may be contacted if additional information is needed. The standard processing time is typically 45 days for most categories, though the agency may process applications for pregnant women and children more quickly.
Step 4: Check your application status.
You can check the status of your application through the Access MS portal at access.ms.gov or by calling 1-800-421-2408.
Step 5: Enroll in a health plan (if applicable).
If approved, you may need to choose a managed care plan. Mississippi Medicaid uses coordinated care organizations in many parts of the state. You will receive information on plan choices after your approval.
What Mississippi Medicaid Covers
Mississippi Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for eligible members, including:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
- Emergency services
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use disorder services
- Preventive care and screenings
- Dental and vision services for children
- Pregnancy and maternity care
- Laboratory and diagnostic services
Benefits may vary slightly depending on which Medicaid category you qualify under.
Mississippi Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Individuals
Seniors and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are typically automatically eligible for Mississippi Medicaid. Those who are Medicare-eligible may also qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing through Medicare Savings Programs.
For ABD Medicaid, eligibility involves both income and asset limits. Asset limits and specific financial thresholds for ABD Medicaid are subject to change and vary based on whether an individual is applying for full Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program. Contact the Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 for current ABD-specific limits.
Renewing Mississippi Medicaid Coverage
Mississippi Medicaid coverage is not permanent. You must renew your eligibility annually. The state will send a renewal notice before your coverage expires. Respond promptly with updated income and household information to avoid a gap in coverage.
You can complete your renewal online at access.ms.gov, by phone, or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2026 income limits for Mississippi Medicaid?
The limits vary by category. For a family of four, the monthly income limit is $5,473 for pregnant women and infants (194% FPL), $4,071 for children ages 1 to 6 (143% FPL), $3,796 for children ages 6 to 19 (133% FPL), and $600 for parents and caretaker relatives (approximately 22% FPL). All figures are effective March 1, 2026.
Does Mississippi have Medicaid expansion?
No. Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Non-disabled adults without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi regardless of income. This leaves an estimated 300,000 residents in a coverage gap.
Can childless adults get Medicaid in Mississippi?
Generally, no. Mississippi Medicaid does not cover non-disabled adults who do not have dependent children in their care. If you are a childless adult without a qualifying disability, you likely do not qualify for standard Medicaid in Mississippi.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Mississippi?
You can apply online at access.ms.gov, by calling 1-800-421-2408, in person at a DOM Regional Office, or by mailing a paper application to your local office. You will need proof of income, Social Security numbers, and information about current health coverage.
What is CHIP in Mississippi and how does it differ from Medicaid?
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) covers children up to age 19 with household incomes between the Medicaid limit and 209% FPL. It provides similar comprehensive coverage to Medicaid and is administered by the Division of Medicaid. For a family of four, the CHIP monthly income limit is $5,886.
Do pregnant women in Mississippi qualify for Medicaid?
Yes. Pregnant women with household income at or below 194% FPL qualify for full Medicaid coverage. For a single individual, that means monthly income at or below $2,648. Coverage includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care.
How long does it take to get approved for Mississippi Medicaid?
Processing times are typically up to 45 days. Applications for pregnant women and children may be processed faster. You can check your application status online at access.ms.gov or by calling 1-800-421-2408.
Do I have to renew my Mississippi Medicaid every year?
Yes. Mississippi requires annual eligibility renewals. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage expires. Complete your renewal on time to avoid losing coverage. Renewals can be done online, by phone, or by mail.
What if my income is too high for Medicaid but I can not afford private insurance?
If your income is above the Medicaid limit but below a certain threshold, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the federal Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Subsidies are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Use our free screener to see all programs you may qualify for.
For the most current income limits and eligibility rules, visit the Mississippi Division of Medicaid or explore your options with our free eligibility screener. You can also find more information on Mississippi benefits programs at benefitsusa.org/states/mississippi.
