Medicare Advantage Plans in Mississippi
Written by: Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA, APRN
Reviewed by: Ed McClane, Licensed Insurance Agent
Key Takeaways
Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi are sold by private insurance companies under rules set by the federal Medicare program.
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare (Parts A and B) , but offers the same Part A and Part B coverages as Original Medicare.
Along with Part A and B benefits, Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) bundles additional services like dental, hearing, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
All Mississippi residents eligible for Medicare had access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium in 2024.
Mississippi Medicare Advantage Plan Coverage
Medicare Advantage allows you to choose a private insurance company to provide your Medicare benefits. In return, you often get coverage that extends beyond Original Medicare like prescription drug, hearing, vision and dental coverage.
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket spending limit. Some companies also offer Special Needs Plans designed for those with chronic medical conditions, like congestive heart failure and end-stage renal disease, or financial need. These plans may offer additional benefits and help to pay for expenses related to health and wellness.
As of 2024, there were 72 Medicare Advantage plans available in Mississippi.
Have questions about your Medicare coverage?
Call TodayMS Medicare Advantage Plan Costs
The average person in Mississippi paid a monthly premium of $20.89 for their Medicare Advantage plan in 2024, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. However, all Mississippians had access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
When evaluating the costs of a Medicare Advantage plan, there are several key considerations to look for. These include:
- Coinsurance: Medicare Advantage plans usually have a coinsurance or copayment you pay each time you see an in-network specialist or general healthcare provider.
- Premium: While not all Medicare Advantage plans have premiums, some do. You will pay this in addition to your Part B premium.
- Out-of-pocket limit: This is the maximum amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your plan covers 100 percent of your healthcare costs.
Thinking of how these costs add up over a year can help you to select the right coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plan Eligibility & Enrollment in Mississippi
Most people qualify for Medicare based on age once they turn 65. If you’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years or more, you will receive premium-free Part A Medicare. However, you likely will pay the standard Part B premium, which was $174.70 in 2024.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits before age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B of Medicare and have the option to switch to Medicare Advantage. However, if you are not, you can sign up for Medicare the three months before, the month of, and three months after your 65th birthday. This is your Initial Enrollment Period. You can enroll at your local Social Security office, online, or over the phone with the Social Security Administration.
Other enrollment periods exist once you’re eligible for Medicare. These include:
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period: This is the time period from October 15 to December 7 each year, also known as the Annual Enrollment Period. If you’re enrolled in Medicare entering this period, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan if you wish.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: This is the time period from January 1 through March 31. During this time, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare. You cannot, however, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- 5-Star Enrollment Period: This is the time period from December 8 to November 30, where you can enroll in a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan if you’re in a lower-rated Medicare Advantage plan.
Ready for a new Medicare Advantage plan?
Get Help NowAre There Mississippi Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage?
There are Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi that incorporate Part D prescription drug coverage. That means a single plan can provide all your Medicare benefits.
As of 2024, Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes will pay no more than $35 a month for insulin. Thirty-four plans available in the state will offer enrollees who are chronically ill or receive Extra Help (also known as low-income subsidies) options such as lower cost sharing for particular benefits, including the possibility to eliminate any cost-sharing for covered prescription drugs.
Medicare Learning Guides
Healthcare is personal. So is choosing insurance. If you are new to Medicare, a beneficiary researching options, or a caregiver, we have tailored Medicare Guides for you
Medicare guide
Before 65 Guide
Understanding health insurance before age 65, especially when considering early retirement
Medicare guide
Medicare Plans Guide
Costs, coverage and enrollment details for each Medicare plan
Medicare guide
Medicare Beneficiary Guide
For those currently enrolled in Medicare
Medicare guide
Low Income and Medicare Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
Medicare guide
A Caregiver’s Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status