Medicare in Mississippi
Written by: Bryan Strickland
Reviewed by: Ed McClane, Licensed Insurance Agent
Key Takeaways
If you’re 65 or older, Medicare in Mississippi offers an affordable option for your healthcare needs.
Original Medicare offers hospital (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B), with the option of adding drug and supplemental coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans substitute for Original Medicare while bundling prescription drug coverage and supplemental services like dental and vision.
Don’t let the complexities of Medicare in Mississippi leave you singing the blues. GoHealth has the guidance to help you find the coverage you need.
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Call TodayHow Do I Apply for Medicare in Mississippi?
Your choices for applying for Medicare in Mississippi include:
- Enrolling online with the Social Security Administration
- Visiting a local Social Security office
- Enrolling over the phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
If you are a U.S. citizen age 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare in MS. It’s as simple as that. Of course, not everything about Medicare is that simple.
Medicare is a federal program that provides affordable healthcare for older Americans nearing retirement. At age 65, you can enroll in Part A (known as hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance) or both — collectively known as Original Medicare. If you enroll in both, you have the option to add Part D to help with drug costs and Medigap (supplemental insurance) to help cover some out-of-pocket expenses.
Part D and Medigap plans are managed by private insurance companies with guidance from the federal government. That’s also the case with Medicare Advantage options in Mississippi.
If you are enrolled in both Parts A and B, you have the option of switching to a Medicare Advantage plan that substitutes for Original Medicare while bundling prescription drug coverage and offering supplemental services like dental and vision.
Is Medicare Free for Seniors Over 65?
Part A provides hospital coverage without a monthly premium, but because of the plan’s deductibles and coinsurance, it can’t be called “free.”
If you’re in need of low-cost insurance because of your financial situation, some people on Medicare in MS qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, which is a federal program administered by individual states (Mississippi calls it “Medicare cost-sharing”).
Some Mississippi residents facing more severe needs may qualify for Medicaid.
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Call TodayWhat Qualifies You for Medicaid in Mississippi?
You can get similar coverage to Medicare at any age if you qualify for Medicaid, a federal/state program founded alongside Medicare in 1965 that helps those facing a financial need or a disability. When you turn 65, it is possible to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (called dual eligibility).
Each state has its own plan for administering Medicaid. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid oversees the state’s program. To qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi, you’ll need to meet certain income requirements. Contact your state Medicaid office to see if you’re eligible to enroll.
What are the Different Medicare Plans Available?
When it comes to Medicare plans in Mississippi, there’s only one Original Medicare plan, which includes Parts A and B and features the option to add Part D and Medigap coverage from private insurance companies.
When it comes to Medicare Advantage in Mississippi, numerous plans are available.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans mirror Original Medicare but are more affordable.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include options for dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans offer assistance with transportation costs or over-the-counter needs.
- Some offer all of the above.
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Get Help NowWhat Types of Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available?
In 2024, the standard monthly premium for Part A of Original Medicare is $0, and Part B’s standard monthly premium is $174.70. For a Medicare Advantage plan in Mississippi, the average monthly premium in 2024 is $20.89.
Saving with Medicare Advantage in Mississippi is possible because beneficiaries get favorable rates when they visit providers within a regional network. Those networks are set up within four types of Medicare Advantage plans.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans provide a network of doctors and providers you can see, and a primary care physician manages your care.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans use primary care physicians but allow flexibility to see doctors outside your network.
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans provide separate payments to your providers for each service you receive.
- Special Needs Plans (SNP) are condition-specific plans designed to care for certain diseases or health issues. D-SNP assists dual eligible individuals, and C-SNP is for people with chronic diseases.
Which Company Has the Best Medicare Advantage Plan?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has a Medicare Star Rating system that assigns a rating of one to five stars (five being the highest-rated) to individual Medicare Advantage plans.
If you’re already on a Medicare Advantage plan and it’s not five-star, you are offered the opportunity to switch to a five-star plan each year.
While the rating system can shed light on various Medicare Advantage plans’ performance, it’s not as easy as just picking the highest-rated plan. A dedicated GoHealth licensed insurance agent can review your situation and figure out what Medicare Advantage plan is the right fit for you.
Can I bundle multiple benefits into one plan?
See My OptionsMedicare in Mississippi by the Numbers
Medicare
Mississippi
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Table reflects the latest Beneficiary Demographics Data: Medicare Geographic Variation – by National, State & County
Average HCC Score: The Hierarchical Condition Category score gauges a population’s overall health. The score is based on a value of 1.0. Populations with an HCC score of less than 1.0 are considered relatively healthy. The score can be used to estimate health costs.
Mississippi Medicare Resources & Contacts
To be certain you are not leaving anything on the table, let us help. A GoHealth licensed insurance agent can assess your coverage or explain which Mississippi-based resources, like these, may be able to help:
Nationwide Resources
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