Getting care in Mississippi without insurance

Who can get Mississippi Medicaid

The Division of Medicaid runs the program in Mississippi. Children and pregnant women can qualify at higher incomes than adults. Parents with children at home need a very low income to qualify. That is far below the federal poverty level, an amount the government sets each year to measure poverty.

People who are elderly, blind or disabled have their own application. The state says some of them may need an interview in person. The sources we read gave different income limits for parents and pregnant women, so please ask the Division of Medicaid for today's numbers.

Mississippi and Medicaid expansion

Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid. KFF, a health policy research group, lists the state as one that has not done it, as of October 2026.

An adult without a disability or a child at home is not eligible, even with no income at all. Our guide to the Medicaid gap explains what people in this spot can do.

How to apply for Mississippi Medicaid

The Division of Medicaid lists several ways to apply, and all of them are free.

• You can apply online through the state's common web portal, where one application can cover several benefits.
• You can apply on HealthCare.gov. The site checks for Medicaid and passes your application to the state if you might qualify.
• You can call the Office of Eligibility toll free at 1-800-421-2408. The staff can mail you an application or help you apply.
• You can fax a paper application to 601-576-4164. You can mail the application to the address printed on the form or take it to the regional office that serves your county.
• You can go in person to the Medicaid regional office that serves your county. The state says there are 30 such offices.

Have Social Security numbers and recent pay stubs ready for everyone in the household. Most applications take up to 45 days to process. Applications that need a disability decision can take up to 90 days. Family planning benefits use their own form.

Marketplace plans in Mississippi

You can look at Marketplace plans on HealthCare.gov, and the help with monthly costs depends on your income. Our guide on what to do after losing insurance explains the sign-up window if you lost a job.

Finding a community health center in Mississippi

Community health centers charge by income. The Community Health Center Association of Mississippi is their state group. Many parts of the state are rural, so ask about hours and travel before you go. The federal agency HRSA has a free tool called Find a Health Center. It lists the closest ones.

Our guide to community health centers explains what to bring and what to ask. Our guide to clinics and cash-pay doctors can help you choose.

How can I check that a Mississippi doctor is licensed?

The State Board of Medical Licensure has a free tool called Search the Public Database. You search by the doctor's name. Then you open the record to see basic information about the license.

The board can also give an official verification for hospitals and employers. It costs $25, so most patients will not need it. The free search is enough for a quick check before you pay a membership fee.

Direct primary care in Mississippi

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee for regular visits. According to the Direct Primary Care Coalition, Mississippi has a direct primary care law. A practice may be a drive away. You can search by location in our directory.

A membership like this is not insurance. Emergency room visits, hospital stays and surgery are not part of it. Our direct primary care guide tells you what to ask a practice.

Emergencies in Mississippi

If something is seriously wrong, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. By federal law, the hospital must examine you and stabilize you, with or without insurance. After the visit, our guide to hospital financial assistance shows how to ask for a lower bill. Our emergency room guide explains your rights.