Medicaid Eligibility Requirements in Mississippi: Income, Asset Limits, and Documentation
To qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Additionally, they must provide documentation to verify their eligibility.
Income Limits
- Adults (19-64): Individuals must have an income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Children (0-18): Children must have an income at or below 133% of the FPL.
- Pregnant Women: Pregnant women must have an income at or below 138% of the FPL.
- People with Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities must have an income at or below 138% of the FPL.
Asset Limits
- Adults (19-64): Individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable assets.
- Children (0-18): Children can have up to $2,000 in countable assets.
- Pregnant Women: Pregnant women can have up to $2,000 in countable assets.
- People with Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities can have up to $2,000 in countable assets, plus a vehicle and a home.
Documentation Requirements
To apply for Medicaid in Mississippi, individuals must provide documentation to verify their eligibility, including:
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or Social Security award letters.
- Proof of assets, such as bank statements, stock certificates, or deeds to property.
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card.
- Proof of disability, if applicable, such as a doctor’s statement or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
| Income Limit | Asset Limit | Documentation Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (19-64) | 138% of FPL | $2,000 | Proof of income, assets, citizenship/residency |
| Children (0-18) | 133% of FPL | $2,000 | Proof of income, assets, citizenship/residency |
| Pregnant Women | 138% of FPL | $2,000 | Proof of income, assets, citizenship/residency |
| People with Disabilities | 138% of FPL | $2,000 + vehicle + home | Proof of income, assets, citizenship/residency, disability |
Applying for Mississippi Medicaid
To apply for Medicaid in Mississippi, you can choose from multiple options: online, mail-in, or in-person application. Here’s a detailed explanation of each method:
Online Application:
- Visit the Mississippi Department of Medicaid website at https://medicaid.ms.gov.
- Click on the “Apply for Benefits” button.
- Choose the “Medicaid” program.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information.
- Attach necessary documents, including proof of income, residency, and other required documents, in the specified format.
- Review your application thoroughly and submit it online.
- Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records.
Mail-In Application:
- Obtain a Medicaid application form from the Mississippi Department of Medicaid website or local county office.
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
- Include all required supporting documents, such as proof of income, residency, and other necessary documents.
- Mail the completed application and supporting documents to the address specified on the application form.
- Maintain a copy of your mailed application and supporting documents for your records.
In-Person Application:
- Visit your local county Medicaid office.
- Ask for a Medicaid application form.
- Fill out the application form in the presence of a Medicaid representative who can assist you and answer any questions.
- Provide necessary supporting documents, including proof of income, residency, and other required documents.
- Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Medicaid representative.
- Obtain a receipt or confirmation of your application submission.
Application Checklist:
Regardless of the application method you choose, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letter)
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement)
- Proof of citizenship or lawful residency status (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card)
- Proof of disability (if applicable) (e.g., medical records, doctor’s statement)
Processing Time:
The processing time for Medicaid applications in Mississippi can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and the application method used. Generally, it can take several weeks to a few months for the application to be reviewed and a decision to be made.
Medicaid Managed Care Plans in Mississippi: Choices, Services, and Enrollment
Mississippi Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors. The program is administered by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM), which contracts with managed care organizations (MCOs) to provide health care services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Choices
- Mississippi Medicaid beneficiaries have a choice of MCOs.
- Each MCO offers a different network of providers and services.
- Beneficiaries can choose the MCO that best meets their needs.
Services
- Medicaid Managed Care Plans in Mississippi cover a wide range of services, including:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing aids
- Durable medical equipment
Enrollment
- To enroll in Medicaid Managed Care in Mississippi, you must be a resident of the state and meet certain income and other eligibility requirements.
- You can apply for Medicaid online, by mail, or in person at your local county Department of Human Services office.
Once you are enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care, you will need to choose an MCO. You can do this by calling the DOM at 1-800-421-2408.
The following table provides a summary of Medicaid Managed Care Plans in Mississippi:
| MCO | Network | Services | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amerigroup Mississippi | Over 10,000 providers statewide | All Medicaid-covered services, including physical and mental health, dental, vision, and hearing | Over 500,000 members |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi | Over 15,000 providers statewide | All Medicaid-covered services, plus additional benefits such as gym memberships and smoking cessation programs | Over 400,000 members |
| Cigna | Over 12,000 providers statewide | All Medicaid-covered services, plus additional benefits such as telehealth visits and prenatal care coordination | Over 300,000 members |
| UnitedHealthcare | Over 14,000 providers statewide | All Medicaid-covered services, plus additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage for adults | Over 200,000 members |
Well friends that brings us to the end of our Mississippi Medicaid journey for today! I hope you walked away with a better understanding of what is and isn’t covered under the program. Remember that this article is a basic outline of coverage and doesn’t include every single detail. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to visit our website again soon. We’ll be here waiting with open arms (and plenty of information) to help you on your Medicaid journey. In the meantime, stay healthy and keep on living your best life!