Mississippi

What Is Mississippi Medicaid for Long-Term Care?

Mississippi Medicaid is a health insurance program that helps low-income residents, including seniors aged 65 and older, access long-term care. The program covers nursing home care, assisted living, and non-medical support services that allow elderly individuals to remain in their homes safely. There are three main types of long-term care Medicaid programs for Mississippi seniors.

What Is Institutional or Nursing Home Medicaid?

This program is an entitlement, meaning anyone who qualifies will receive services. Care is delivered exclusively in nursing home settings.

What Are Medicaid Waivers and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?

These programs are not entitlements and may have waitlists due to limited enrollment. They provide services at home, in adult day care, or assisted living to help delay or prevent nursing home placement.

What Is Regular Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD)?

ABD Medicaid is also an entitlement. Eligible applicants may receive personal care or adult day services, even without requiring nursing home-level care.

What Are the Financial Requirements for Medicaid Long-Term Care?

Each program has its own income and asset rules. These vary by marital status and are updated annually. Some applicants may still qualify through alternative pathways if they initially exceed these limits.

What Are the 2025 Income and Asset Limits for Mississippi Seniors?

The table below outlines basic eligibility requirements for each program.

*Most income must be used toward nursing home costs, aside from certain allowances like a $44 personal needs stipend and Medicare premiums.

How Does Mississippi Medicaid Count Income?

What Income Is Considered Countable?

Almost all income sources are counted, including wages, pensions, Social Security, alimony, IRA withdrawals, and more. Notable exceptions include Holocaust restitution payments and VA Aid & Attendance benefits.

How Is Income Handled for Married Couples?

When only one spouse applies, only their income counts. The non-applicant spouse may receive part of the applicant’s income through the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA), which is $3,948/month in 2025.

How Does Medicaid Treat Assets?

Which Assets Are Countable and Which Are Not?

Countable assets include bank accounts, investments, and non-residential real estate. Non-countable assets may include personal items, up to two cars, burial plans, and the applicant’s primary home (with conditions). IRAs and 401(k)s in payout status are exempt in MS.

How Are Assets Handled for Married Couples?

Assets are considered jointly owned. However, the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) protects up to $157,920 in assets for the non-applicant spouse of a nursing home or waiver applicant.

What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Period?

Mississippi enforces a 60-month look-back period for Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers. Asset transfers below fair market value can trigger a penalty period. This rule doesn’t apply to Regular Medicaid.

Is a Medicaid Applicant’s Home Always Protected?

A home is exempt if the applicant or their spouse lives there. If not, the applicant must intend to return, and home equity must be under $730,000 in 2025. However, the home may be subject to Medicaid’s Estate Recovery Program after the beneficiary’s death.

What Medical Needs Must Be Met for Long-Term Care Medicaid?

Applicants for Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers must require a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). ABD Medicaid requires assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), though not necessarily NFLOC.

What If an Applicant Is Over the Income or Asset Limits?

What Is a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)?

Also called a Miller Trust or Income Trust in MS, a QIT allows applicants over the income cap to qualify by depositing excess income into a restricted trust. Funds can only be used for specific medical-related expenses, and the state must be listed as a remainder beneficiary.

Can Excess Assets Be Spent Down?

Yes. Applicants can reduce countable assets by paying for non-countable items such as home or vehicle modifications, pre-paid funerals, or paying off debt. Documentation should be kept to avoid violating the look-back rule.

What Is Medicaid Planning?

Those who are “over-income” or “over-asset” may benefit from consulting a Medicaid planning professional. These experts help structure finances to meet eligibility requirements and protect assets like the family home from estate recovery.

What Specific Long-Term Care Programs Does Mississippi Medicaid Offer?

Assisted Living (AL) Waiver

This program provides support services in assisted living communities, such as homemaker help, medication management, and part-time nursing, though room and board are not covered.

Independent Living (IL) Waiver

Designed for individuals aged 16 and older with severe impairments requiring NFLOC, this waiver offers services such as home modifications, personal care, and specialized equipment.

Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver

This program helps older adults and people with disabilities stay in their homes through services like adult day care, personal care, meal delivery, and help transitioning from nursing homes.

How Can Seniors Apply for Mississippi Medicaid?

Applications can be submitted online at AccessMS, by downloading a paper form, or by calling 800-421-2408 to request one by mail. Completed applications should be submitted to a regional Medicaid office or faxed to 601-576-4164. Interviews may be required, depending on the program.

Seniors unsure of their eligibility should consider consulting with a Medicaid planner, especially if income or assets exceed the limits. Knowing the application steps in advance can ease the process.