Mississippi Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Mississippi

Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid and has one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation. The state uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. Mississippi's marketplace has had limited insurer competition. The combination of non-expansion and limited marketplace options has left Mississippi with significant coverage gaps for low-income residents.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Mississippi

Marketplace Enrollment in Mississippi

Mississippi residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in Mississippi

Medicaid in Mississippi

Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid. Traditional Medicaid covers very limited categories. Adults without dependents generally do not qualify regardless of income.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Mississippi

CHIP covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 209% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Mississippi Unique

Mississippi has one of the largest Medicaid coverage gaps in the nation — an estimated 100,000+ adults earn too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies. The state consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for uninsured rate, health outcomes, and healthcare access. Medicaid expansion would likely have a large impact on these metrics.

ACA Subsidies: What Mississippi Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Mississippi’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Mississippi residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. Full-price premiums rose about 43.4% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 5 insurers sold plans for 2026; Cigna and Molina are leaving for 2027, so those enrollees need to choose a new plan. Proposed 2027 changes average about 21.8% before subsidies.

About 313,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 95% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $131 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Mississippi

Mississippi had one of the largest 2026 full-price increases (about 43%) and loses two of its five insurers, Cigna and Molina, for 2027. It has not expanded Medicaid, leaving an estimated 56,000 low-income adults in the coverage gap. Because 95% of enrollees receive credits, the net average stayed around $131 a month.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Mississippi

Mississippi residents above 100% of the federal poverty level should check subsidy eligibility on HealthCare.gov. CHIP covers children. Adults below the poverty level face very limited coverage options due to non-expansion. Short-term health plans are available but lack consumer protections. Community health centers provide affordable care regardless of insurance status.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.
• Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid, so if your income falls below the federal poverty level you may fall into the coverage gap — a community health center or sliding-scale clinic can serve as a bridge until your income qualifies for marketplace subsidies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Mississippi marketplace for 2027?

Cigna and Molina are leaving for 2027. Enrollees with those insurers should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

When is open enrollment in Mississippi for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

How much do Mississippi marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 95% of Mississippi enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $131 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.