Best Cheap Health Insurance in Mississippi: Finding affordable health insurance in Mississippi doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Health coverage is essential to safeguard your health and finances, but the costs can vary widely based on factors like age, income, and coverage type. Fortunately, Mississippi residents have a variety of options to find budget-friendly health insurance, often with assistance programs or free quotes to make the process easier.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing the best cheap health insurance in Mississippi. From understanding your options to identifying top providers and learning how to get a free quote, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding Health Insurance in Mississippi
Health insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider that helps cover medical expenses, from routine doctor visits to emergency surgeries. It offers financial protection against high healthcare costs, ensuring you can access the care you need without draining your savings.
Without health insurance, a single hospital visit could set you back thousands of dollars. That’s why having coverage is critical, especially in Mississippi, where healthcare costs are steadily rising.
Types of Health Insurance Plans
There are several types of health insurance plans available in Mississippi:
- Employer-Sponsored Plans
Many employers offer health insurance as part of their benefits package. These plans often have lower premiums since employers typically contribute a portion of the cost. - Medicaid and CHIP
Low-income families and children may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which offer free or low-cost healthcare. - Individual and Family Plans
If you’re self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, you can purchase a plan directly from the Health Insurance Marketplace. - Short-Term Health Insurance
Temporary plans are available to cover gaps in coverage, but they often provide limited benefits.
Factors Affecting Health Insurance Costs in Mississippi
Age and Health Condition
Younger individuals often pay lower premiums, while older adults and those with pre-existing conditions may face higher costs.
Location in Mississippi
Insurance rates can vary depending on where you live, as healthcare costs and provider availability differ across the state.
Type of Coverage Selected
Comprehensive plans with more benefits typically come with higher premiums, while basic plans may be cheaper but offer limited coverage.
Deductibles and Co-payments
Plans with higher deductibles often have lower monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
How to Find Cheap Health Insurance in Mississippi
Compare Multiple Quotes Online
Using comparison tools or websites, you can quickly view options from multiple providers to find the most affordable plans.
Look for Subsidies or Tax Credits
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you may qualify for subsidies to reduce your premiums based on your income.
Explore Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility
These programs offer free or low-cost healthcare for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Consider Catastrophic Plans if Eligible
If you’re under 30 or meet hardship criteria, catastrophic plans provide coverage for emergencies at lower costs.
Top Providers of Affordable Health Insurance in Mississippi
Ambetter from Magnolia Health
Ambetter offers competitive rates and a wide range of coverage options, including essential health benefits and wellness programs.
Molina Healthcare
Known for its Medicaid and Marketplace plans, Molina provides budget-friendly health insurance options for individuals and families.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is a trusted name, offering flexible plans that include robust provider networks and telehealth services.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi
This provider offers comprehensive health plans with excellent customer service and access to top healthcare providers in the state.
Cheap Mississippi health insurance plans by city
Molina sells the cheapest health insurance in Jackson, Mississippi.
But Cigna sells the cheapest plan in Southaven and Olive Branch, both Memphis suburbs. In Mississippi, Molina has the cheapest Silver plans in about 95% of the counties in Mississippi. That includes many rural parts of the state and about 91% of the state’s population.
Cheapest health insurance by MS county
| County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Adams | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Alcorn | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Amite | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Attala | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Benton | Molina Silver 12 | $478 |
| Bolivar | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Calhoun | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Carroll | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Chickasaw | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Choctaw | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Claiborne | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Clarke | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Clay | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Coahoma | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Copiah | Molina Silver 12 | $480 |
| Covington | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Desoto | Cigna Connect Silver 6500 | $484 |
| Forrest | Molina Silver 12 | $491 |
| Franklin | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| George | Molina Silver 12 | $486 |
| Greene | Molina Silver 12 | $491 |
| Grenada | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Hancock | Molina Silver 12 | $486 |
| Harrison | Molina Silver 12 | $486 |
| Hinds | Molina Silver 12 | $480 |
| Holmes | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Humphreys | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Issaquena | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Itawamba | Molina Silver 12 | $478 |
| Jackson | Molina Silver 12 | $486 |
| Jasper | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Jefferson | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Jefferson Davis | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Jones | Molina Silver 12 | $491 |
| Kemper | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Lafayette | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Lamar | Molina Silver 12 | $491 |
| Lauderdale | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Lawrence | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Leake | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Lee | Molina Silver 12 | $478 |
| Leflore | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Lincoln | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Lowndes | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Madison | Molina Silver 12 | $480 |
| Marion | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Marshall | Cigna Connect Silver 6500 | $484 |
| Monroe | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Montgomery | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Neshoba | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Newton | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Noxubee | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Oktibbeha | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Panola | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Pearl River | Molina Silver 12 | $491 |
| Perry | Molina Silver 12 | $491 |
| Pike | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Pontotoc | Molina Silver 12 | $478 |
| Prentiss | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Quitman | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Rankin | Molina Silver 12 | $480 |
| Scott | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Sharkey | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Simpson | Molina Silver 12 | $480 |
| Smith | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Stone | Molina Silver 12 | $486 |
| Sunflower | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Tallahatchie | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Tate | Cigna Connect Silver 6500 | $484 |
| Tippah | Molina Silver 12 | $478 |
| Tishomingo | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Tunica | Cigna Connect Silver 6500 | $484 |
| Union | Molina Silver 12 | $478 |
| Walthall | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Warren | Molina Silver 12 | $480 |
| Washington | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Wayne | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Webster | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Wilkinson | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Winston | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Yalobusha | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
| Yazoo | Molina Silver 12 | $473 |
Table: Comparison of Health Insurance Providers in Mississippi
| Provider | Plan Types | Coverage Highlights | Average Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueCross BlueShield | HMO | Preventive care, wellness programs | $400-600/month | Preventive health |
| Cigna Health Insurance | PPO, EPO | Wide network | $450-650/month | Network flexibility |
| Oscar Health Insurance | PPO, HMO, EPO | Variety of plans | $420-700/month | Customizable coverage |
| UnitedHealthcare | HMO, EPO | Affordable plans | $350-550/month | Budget-conscious users |
Bronze Plans: Average Monthly Health Insurance Costs
| Company | Age 30 | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $384 | $432 | $604 | $916 |
| Ambetter | $405 | $456 | $637 | $968 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $421 | $474 | $663 | $1,007 |
| Cigna | $441 | $497 | $694 | $1,054 |
| Kaiser Permanente | $357 | $402 | $561 | $853 |
| Molina Healthcare | $441 | $497 | $695 | $1,056 |
| Oscar | $417 | $470 | $657 | $998 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $402 | $453 | $633 | $962 |
Silver Plans: Average Monthly Health Insurance Costs
| Company | Age 30 | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $468 | $526 | $735 | $1,115 |
| Ambetter | $470 | $529 | $739 | $1,123 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $541 | $609 | $851 | $1,293 |
| Cigna | $517 | $582 | $813 | $1,235 |
| Kaiser Permanente | $461 | $519 | $726 | $1,103 |
| Molina Healthcare | $450 | $505 | $706 | $1,069 |
| Oscar | $504 | $567 | $792 | $1,204 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $519 | $585 | $817 | $1,241 |
Gold Plans: Average Monthly Health Insurance Costs
| Company | Age 30 | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $494 | $556 | $778 | $1,179 |
| Ambetter | $505 | $569 | $795 | $1,207 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $588 | $662 | $925 | $1,406 |
| Cigna | $649 | $731 | $1,022 | $1,552 |
| Kaiser Permanente | $483 | $544 | $760 | $1,154 |
| Molina Healthcare | $494 | $555 | $777 | $1,176 |
| Oscar | $529 | $596 | $833 | $1,265 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $550 | $620 | $866 | $1,316 |
Platinum Plans: Average Monthly Health Insurance Costs
| Company | Age 30 | Age 40 | Age 50 | Age 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $926 | $1,042 | $1,457 | $2,214 |
| Kaiser Permanente | $544 | $613 | $856 | $1,301 |
Average Cost of Health Insurance by Family Size in Mississippi
How much you pay in total for health insurance depends on the size of your family.
In Mississippi, you’ll pay an average of $340 per month for each child under the age of 15 in your family. After age 15, health insurance rates increase with the child’s age.
A family in Mississippi with a single 40-year-old and one 14-year-old pays $909 per month before discounts on average. A couple with one child pays an average of $1,477 per month, and a family of four pays $1,817 per month, on average.
| Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $568 |
| Individual + Child | $909 |
| Couple, age 40 | $1,137 |
| Family of three | $1,477 |
| Family of four | $1,817 |
| Family of five | $2,157 |
Best Cheap Health Insurance Plans in Mississippi
When searching for affordable health insurance in Oregon, it’s important to evaluate plans that provide essential coverage at reasonable rates. Here’s a breakdown of some common options:
- Bronze Plans: These plans have the lowest premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They’re great for healthy individuals who rarely need medical care but want protection for major emergencies.
- Silver Plans: A balance between premium cost and coverage. Silver plans often qualify for cost-sharing reductions, making them ideal for low-income families.
- Catastrophic Plans: Available to individuals under 30 or those with a hardship exemption, these plans have very low premiums and cover emergency care after meeting a high deductible.
Sample Costs of Popular Plans
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Plan | $300 – $400 | $6,000 – $8,500 | $8,500 |
| Silver Plan | $400 – $600 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Catastrophic Plan | $150 – $250 | $9,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 |
Steps to Get a Free Quote
Gather Necessary Information
Before requesting a quote, have your personal details, income information, and healthcare needs ready to streamline the process.
Use Online Marketplaces
Visit platforms like Healthcare.gov to compare plans and get personalized quotes based on your income and household size.
Work with Licensed Agents
If you’re unsure about which plan suits you best, consider consulting a licensed insurance agent for tailored advice.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Health Insurance
Benefits of Affordable Health Insurance
Choosing affordable health insurance has numerous advantages, especially for residents in Mississippi who are navigating rising healthcare costs. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Cost-Effectiveness
Affordable plans ensure you’re covered for essential health services like doctor visits, preventive care, and prescription medications without breaking the bank. - Access to Preventive Care
Many cheap insurance plans, especially those under the ACA, offer free preventive services such as vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups. - Emergency Coverage
Even the most basic plans provide coverage for emergency medical services, ensuring you’re protected in case of unexpected injuries or illnesses. - Peace of Mind
Knowing you’re covered, even with a minimal plan, reduces the stress of facing sudden medical expenses that could lead to financial hardship.
Limitations to Consider
While cheap health insurance is an excellent option for budget-conscious individuals, it’s essential to understand its limitations:
- Limited Coverage Options
Some affordable plans may not cover specialized services like dental, vision, or alternative therapies, requiring additional coverage at an extra cost. - Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs
Many low-cost plans come with high deductibles and co-pays, meaning you’ll need to pay a significant amount before your insurance kicks in. - Restricted Networks
Budget-friendly plans often limit your choice of doctors and hospitals, which can be inconvenient if your preferred providers are out of network. - Exclusions and Caps
Some plans may have exclusions for certain treatments or impose caps on the amount they’ll cover, which could leave you with unexpected expenses.
FAQs about Health Insurance in Mississippi
What is the average cost of health insurance in Mississippi?
The average cost of health insurance in Mississippi varies depending on factors like age, income, and plan type. For an individual, monthly premiums can range from $300 to $600, while family plans may cost $1,000 or more. Subsidies can significantly lower these costs for eligible individuals.
Can I qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi?
Yes, Medicaid is available for low-income individuals and families in Mississippi. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and specific criteria like pregnancy or disability. You can apply through the state Medicaid office or Healthcare.gov.
Are there penalties for not having health insurance in Mississippi?
As of 2019, there is no federal penalty for not having health insurance. However, going without coverage means you’ll be responsible for all medical expenses, which could be financially devastating.
How does the Marketplace subsidy work in Mississippi?
Subsidies are financial assistance programs under the ACA that help reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These subsidies are based on your income and are calculated during the application process on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What if I miss the open enrollment period?
If you miss open enrollment, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events like marriage, childbirth, or losing other health coverage. Alternatively, Medicaid and CHIP applications are open year-round.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of health insurance in Mississippi doesn’t have to feel like a maze. With a bit of research and the right tools, you can find a plan that fits your needs and budget. From exploring options like Medicaid to comparing Marketplace plans, the key is to take advantage of resources and get a free quote to make an informed decision. Affordable health insurance isn’t just about saving money—it’s about ensuring you and your family have access to the care you deserve.
