Mississippi Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Mississippi.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
Processing Time
45-60 days standard; E&D Waiver applications can take 90+ days due to waiting lists and assessment requirements
Mississippi Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Mississippi, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Mississippi follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,829/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,658/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$4,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$6,000
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Mississippi Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $7,289/month average (semi-private), $7,987/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Mississippi).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Mississippi
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Mississippi once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $7,289/month average (semi-private), $7,987/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
No Dedicated Assisted Living Waiver: Mississippi does not have a specific Medicaid waiver for assisted living. The Elderly and Disabled Waiver can provide personal care services to individuals living in assisted living facilities, but room and board costs are not covered. Residents must pay room and board privately while Medicaid covers only personal care services through the waiver.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Mississippi offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver
Serves individuals age 21+ who are elderly or have physical disabilities and meet nursing facility level of care. Provides adult day care, home-delivered meals, personal care services, respite care (in-home and out-of-home), assistive devices and supplies, environmental accessibility adaptations, and home modifications. Approximately 3,700 participants statewide.
Program Details →Independent Living Waiver
Serves individuals transitioning from nursing homes back to community living. Provides transition coordination, environmental modifications, moving assistance, and initial household setup (furniture, appliances, deposits). Time-limited waiver focused on successful community reintegration.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Mississippi
Mississippi Medicaid applications typically take 45-60 days standard; E&D Waiver applications can take 90+ days due to waiting lists and assessment requirements. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Mississippi through:
- Online at www.ms.gov/dhs (Mississippi Department of Human Services portal)
- Phone: 1-800-421-2408
- Download application at medicaid.ms.gov and mail to local county office
- In-person at local county Department of Human Services office
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Mississippi from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Mississippi-Specific Programs and Resources
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
Pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
Learn MoreSpecified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
Pays Medicare Part B premiums for individuals with income slightly above QMB limits.
Learn MoreMoney Follows the Person (MFP)
Federal program helping individuals in nursing homes transition back to community settings with enhanced services and support for 12 months post-transition.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Mississippi Medicaid?
Contact Mississippi Division of Medicaid for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.