Mississippi Health Insurance: 2023 Coverage Guide

Mississippi Affordable Healthcare Insurance

Finding a good health insurance plan in Mississippi can be challenging, so we want to help. If you’re buying an individual plan or you’re buying coverage for a family, it’s a good idea to compare all your options. But first things first: you have to decide which level of coverage will save you the most amount of money over the course of the year. Keep in mind that you may only enroll in a health plan during open enrollment, unless you are eligible for the Special Enrollment Period  due to a qualifying event. Let’s get started!

When Is Open Enrollment in Mississippi?

November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023

How to Get Health Insurance in Mississippi

By looking back at the number of times you saw a care provider and the amount you spent out-of-pocket last year, you can estimate what your costs will be in 2023. The best thing to do is figure out if a higher level plan will save you money, if you should stick with the tier you had last year or if you barely used your health insurance and can consider a more minimal plan. A plan that costs more a month may actually save you money if you see your doctors frequently.

Next, you’ll want to compare health insurance companies and health insurance quotes to get the best rate from the best company. After you submit the form from SmartFinancial you’ll get several competing health insurance rates to choose from. You’ll then be connected with an agent in your area. This is your chance to ask questions about the plans you’re considering.

What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Mississippi?

HMOs, EPOs, PPOs and POS health plans are the most common in Mississippi. However, you may also buy a catastrophic plan, which is the least expensive type of insurance, but it covers emergency events and sometimes only partially. You can also choose from the following tiers: bronze (covers 60% of costs), silver (covers 70% of costs), gold (covers 80% of costs) and platinum (covers 90% of costs). If you have a chronic condition that requires several visits in a month, you may consider the gold or platinum plan to save you money. The bronze plan is designed for younger, healthy individuals who rarely see a doctor and can pay 40% of costs at those rare visits.

Does Health Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

It is illegal for marketplace health plans to deny anyone health insurance coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Compare Health Insurance Plans in Mississippi

Do I Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

Common reasons people qualify for a special enrollment period:

• You can buy health insurance outside the open enrollment period if you lost a job or started a job that doesn’t offer health insurance. You’re also eligible if you started a new business.
• When you turn 26, you can no longer remain on a parent’s health insurance plan, but you can buy a new policy.
• Many health insurance plans have a coverage area. If you move out of that area, you can buy a new health insurance policy.
• People who elect Cobra to extend their past health insurance coverage have a deadline. Once you meet the deadline, you can enroll in a new health plan.
• If you and a spouse share a health insurance plan, you may enroll in a new one if you divorce.
• If you recently married, you may be able to get added onto your spouse’s policy or start an entirely new one together.
• If you have a new baby or adopt a child after the open enrollment date, you can still buy health insurance for that child.
• If you were covered under your spouse or partner’s health plan but that person passed away, you can buy a new individual health insurance plan.
• If you previously had health insurance through a partner or spouse but he/she lost his/her coverage for a qualifying reason, you can buy an individual plan or buy coverage with that spouse/partner again.

Is Health Insurance Required in Mississippi?

No, only California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, and DC still require health insurance. Otherwise, there is a tax penalty. Even though it’s not required in every state, buying health insurance is necessary to avoid medical bankruptcy.

How Much Is Health Insurance in Mississippi?

The average cost of health insurance in Minnesota for a 40 year old is about $500 a month. Health insurance is less expensive, the younger you are. Tobacco use increases health insurance rates.

How to Save on Health Insurance in Mississippi

The best way to save on health insurance in Michigan is to compare rates based on the tier system. Beforehand, you’ll want to estimate your medical costs

Medicare in Mississippi

Medicare is health insurance coverage for Americans ages 65 years and older. The government also allows younger people with disabilities to enroll in the program. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (a permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant) can also sign up as can some individuals with severe mental health issues. Others who qualify for Medicare disability coverage are individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Most beneficiaries will receive Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some people buy Medicare Advantage, which includes Part A and B as well as offering vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.

How Many People Are on Medicare in Mississippi?

20% of Mississippi residents are insured through Medicare.

How Much Is Medicare in Mississippi?

If you do not qualify for Medicare, you can buy it for $499 a month for Part A in 2022 and a standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B was $170.10 or even higher depending on income.

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Medicare is a government subsidized health plan that is available to qualified Americans age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is sold through private health insurance companies, but these policies are also regulated by the government. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans also offer more coverage for dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit. For 2022, it was $7,550 but many plans set their maximums at a much lower cost. That is why it’s important to compare companies. People who opt for original Medicare can buy Medicare Supplements to help with out-of-pocket costs. You cannot buy both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during open enrollment, you will automatically be disenrolled from original Medicare.

How to Get Medicare Coverage in Mississippi

If you receive social security payments, you may automatically enroll in Medicare, but you may have to sign up if you do not receive payments. The easiest way to enroll in Medicare is by working with a trusted insurance agent to get the coverages you want. Just enter your zip code and answer a few simple questions.

Types of Medicare Plans Available

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost Plans (only offered in certain areas), Demonstration/Pilot Programs (also called Research Studies; only offered in certain areas) and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

How Do I Qualify for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare you must be a citizen of the U.S. or have been a legal resident for at least five years. If you are age 65 or older and you/your spouse have worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) or you have a disability, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you most likely qualify for Medicare.

How Can I Save on Medicare in Mississippi?

You can save on Medicare by signing up for Part B as soon as you’re eligible. People who enroll late must pay a penalty every year. If you’re interested in buying Medicare Advantage, you can shop and compare Medicare plans for the best value.

Mississippi State Health System Ranking

Ever wonder how your state stacks up when it comes to quality healthcare? The Commonwealth Fund published a report in 2020 on State Health System Performance. They took into consideration the access to quality care, health outcomes, and disparities in all 50 states. The scores for the Mississippi Health System are listed below:

• Mississippi: Overall Ranking: 51 of 51
• Mississippi: Overall Performance: Below U.S. Average
• Mississippi: Access and Affordability: 50
• Mississippi: Prevention and Treatment: 50
• Mississippi: Avoidable Hospital Use and Cost: 50
• Mississippi: Healthy Lives: 50
• Mississippi: Health Care Disparities: 41

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Mississippi Health Insurance Coverage

The people of Mississippi have different kinds of health insurance while some Mississippi residents are not insured at all. See the breakdown below:

• Private coverage: 42%
• Medicaid: 24%
• Medicare: 20%
• Uninsured: 14%

Report: America's Health Insurance Plans

Mississippi Health Insurance Companies

• Cigna HealthCare of Tennessee, Inc.
• United Healthcare Services, Inc (Mississippi)
• UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (Mississippi)
• Aetna Life Insurance Company (Mississippi)
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company - Mississippi
• Connecticut General Life Insurance Company - Mississippi
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company
• Compass Rose Health Plan