Mississippi Medicaid Income Limits 2025 – 2026 Chart

Mississippi Medicaid provides essential health coverage for low-income residents, but the program is among the strictest in the country.

In 2025, income limits remain tied to the updated Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but because the state has not expanded Medicaid, most adults without children do not qualify.

Instead, Medicaid in Mississippi focuses on children, pregnant women, parents with very low income, and seniors or people with disabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Mississippi is a non-expansion state, so most childless adults do not qualify.
• Parents only qualify at very low income levels, often far below FPL.
• Children and pregnant women qualify at much higher income thresholds.
• Seniors and disabled residents must meet strict income + asset tests.

Medicaid in Mississippi: Program Overview

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid manages the program through fee-for-service and managed care (MississippiCAN). Unlike expansion states, Mississippi limits coverage primarily to vulnerable groups: children, pregnant women, seniors, and disabled individuals.

According to KFF Medicaid state data, Mississippi has one of the lowest eligibility thresholds for parents in the country, around 20% of FPL. That means a parent in a family of three would need to earn less than $500/month to qualify. Meanwhile, children and pregnant women can qualify at far higher incomes, often near 200% FPL.

Enrollment reflects these rules. As of 2024, nearly 750,000 Mississippi residents were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, the majority being children Mississippi Division of Medicaid.

Income Limits by Household Size (2025)

Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines 2025, KFF Mississippi Medicaid data.

Interpretation:

• Adults without children are not covered under Mississippi Medicaid.
• Parents only qualify if their income is well under the poverty line.
• Pregnant women and children can qualify up to 200% FPL.
• Seniors and disabled applicants qualify only if they also meet asset caps.

Who Qualifies in Mississippi?

• Children: Covered up to 200% FPL through Medicaid and CHIP (MississippiCAN).
• Pregnant women: Eligible up to about 200% FPL, with 12 months postpartum coverage.
• Parents: Only if income is below ~20% of FPL (about $500/month for a family of three).
• Adults without children: Not eligible unless disabled or elderly.
• Seniors/disabled: Qualify under Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) Medicaid, with strict $2,000 asset limits and income caps (Medicaid Planning Assistance).

Application Process (Mississippi 2025)

1. Check eligibility using the Mississippi Medicaid guidelines.
   
2. Apply online at the Common Web Portal.
   
3. Prepare documents:
   
   • ID and Social Security numbers
   • Proof of residency (lease, bill, license)
   • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
   • Medical records (if applying under disability)
4. Submit your application online, by mail, or at a regional Medicaid office.
   
5. Respond quickly to follow-up requests to avoid delays.

Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify

Because many adults are excluded from Medicaid, other options include:

• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): Covers children up to 200% FPL, even if parents are ineligible.
• Marketplace plans: Subsidies on HealthCare.gov make private insurance more affordable for adults above Medicaid cutoffs.
• Community health centers: Offer sliding-scale care to uninsured adults.
• Spend-down programs: Seniors or disabled residents may qualify by offsetting medical expenses against income.

FAQs

Conclusion

Mississippi Medicaid in 2025 is among the most restrictive in the nation, especially for adults. Parents must have incomes far below the poverty line, and childless adults aren’t eligible unless elderly or disabled. Still, children and pregnant women qualify up to 200% FPL, and seniors/disabled residents have access under strict financial rules.

If you think you qualify, apply at the Mississippi Medicaid portal. For others, CHIP and ACA marketplace subsidies remain vital options.