Medicaid in
Mississippi
Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid. Parents qualify for Mississippi Medicaid at roughly 27% of the federal poverty level — about $581 a month for three people — and most adults without children cannot qualify at any income.
Who Qualifies for Mississippi Medicaid in Mississippi?
Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid
Parents in Mississippi are measured against roughly 27% of the federal poverty level, far below the 138% used in expansion states, and adults with no dependent children generally cannot qualify at any income unless they are pregnant, disabled or 65+. Below 100% of poverty there is no Marketplace subsidy either — that gap is why so many applications in Mississippi are denied.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $339 | $4,066 |
| 2 people | $460 | $5,519 |
| 3 people | $581 | $6,971 |
| 4 people | $702 | $8,424 |
| 5 people | $823 | $9,877 |
| 6 people | $944 | $11,329 |
| 7 people | $1,065 | $12,782 |
| 8 people | $1,186 | $14,234 |
Limits shown at 27% of the federal poverty level for Mississippi — the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled use different and generally higher limits.
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi.
Income Limit
$581/mo for a household of three (27% FPL)
Adults Without Children
Generally not covered in Mississippi at any income unless pregnant, disabled or 65+
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified non-citizen
Non-expansion states limit adults to ~100% FPL.
Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your Medicaid application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Medicaid in Mississippi.
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above before starting.
Submit your application
Apply online through MDHS online application, or by phone at 800-948-3050. Mississippi Division of Medicaid handles Mississippi applications.
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 days. Keep copies of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Mississippi in 2026?
Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, so the limit is far lower than the 138% of poverty used by expansion states. A parent or caretaker in Mississippi is measured against roughly 27% of the federal poverty level — about $581 a month for a household of three. An adult with no dependent children generally cannot qualify for Mississippi Medicaid at any income unless they are pregnant, disabled or 65+. That is the coverage gap.
Can I get Medicaid in Mississippi if I have no children?
Usually not. Mississippi did not expand Medicaid, so a non-disabled adult under 65 with no dependent children generally cannot qualify for Mississippi Medicaid regardless of how low their income is. If your income is at least 100% of the federal poverty level you can instead buy a heavily subsidised Marketplace plan; below that, ask a local community health centre about sliding-scale care.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Apply for Mississippi Medicaid online through MDHS online application at medicaid.ms.gov, run by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, or by phone at 800-948-3050. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Mississippi take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Mississippi 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Mississippi covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the adult income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.