Medicare Guide for Mississippi
Everything you need to know about Medicare coverage in Mississippi — from the basics of Part A and Part B, to supplements, drug plans, and how to enroll. Updated annually by Stockett & Associates, your local independent Medicare brokers since 1995.
What We Help With
Free, no-obligation Medicare guidance from licensed local agents.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Part D Prescription Drug Plans
- Free Enrollment Guidance
In This Guide
Starting Medicare
What Are My Options When I Turn 65?
When you become eligible for Medicare at 65, you have a few important options to consider. The right choice depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences. Working with a licensed independent broker ensures you get a comprehensive review of all available options.
- Original Medicare only (Part A + Part B): You are subject to 20% of all covered costs plus deductibles. Most beneficiaries choose additional coverage to limit this financial exposure.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D: A very common solution. A Medigap plan covers the 20% gap, and a standalone Part D plan covers prescriptions. You keep your freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.
- Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C): Private plans approved by Medicare that replace Original Medicare. Often include dental, vision, hearing, and drug coverage. Use network restrictions (HMO or PPO).
- Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA): A type of Medicare Advantage plan that deposits funds into a savings account you can use for qualified medical expenses throughout the year.
Neither option is universally best. Any plan you choose should be carefully reviewed with a licensed agent to confirm it fits your specific needs and budget.
Understanding Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a nationwide government-sponsored healthcare program for people 65 years and older, but also covers some with disabilities or special circumstances. Almost 600,000 Mississippians are covered under Medicare — about 20% of the state’s population.
Medicare is divided into four key parts:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) — covers skilled nursing facility care, hospital stays, home health services, and hospice care. In most cases, you’ve earned Part A by working 40 quarters and paying Social Security taxes.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) — covers outpatient care including doctor visits, lab tests, preventive screenings, and durable medical equipment. Part B carries a monthly premium deducted from your Social Security check.
Part A + Part B together are called Original Medicare. After meeting your deductibles, Medicare covers 80% of approved costs — leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%, which is why Supplements and Advantage plans are so important.
Compare Your Medicare Options
Understanding the difference between these four plan types is the foundation of choosing the right coverage for your needs.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Part D
Coverage Gaps
Medicare Supplements (Medigap)
Original Medicare creates a gap — you are responsible for 20% of covered costs plus deductibles. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are designed to fill those gaps.
There are ten standardized Medigap plans in Mississippi, identified by letters A through N. Because they are standardized, a Plan G from one company provides identical benefits to Plan G from another — the only difference is the monthly premium.
The most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi:
- Plan G — The most comprehensive plan. Covers Part A deductible, Part B excess charges, skilled nursing coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency care.
- Plan N — Lower premium option with small copays for office and ER visits.
- Plan L — Partial cost-sharing with lower premiums.
Important: Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare. You cannot have both a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan — it is one or the other.
Medigap does NOT cover dental or vision — you will need separate coverage for those.
Alternative Coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. They replace your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) while often bundling prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits into one plan.
All Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers. They use copay and coinsurance schedules similar to commercial insurance.
- HMO Plans — Smaller, more affordable networks. You must use in-network providers except in emergencies.
- PPO Plans — Larger, more flexible networks. You can see out-of-network providers but at a higher cost.
There are Medicare Advantage plans available in every county in Mississippi. The number of available plans varies widely by county — some have as few as 4 options, others as many as 21.
Most Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (MAPD). If yours does, you do not need a separate Part D plan.
Common Medicare Questions
Answers to the questions our Mississippi clients ask most often.
Getting Started
How to Enroll in Medicare in Mississippi
You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. For everyone else, you have three ways to apply:
- Online — Visit ssa.gov and submit an application online.
- By Phone — Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM.
- In Person — Visit any of the 23 Social Security offices in Mississippi. Major offices: Hattiesburg (1911 Broadway Drive, 1-866-331-2186), Jackson (100 W Capitol Street, 1-866-331-8135), Gulfport (9394 Three Rivers Road, 1-877-897-0609), Meridian (4717 26th Avenue, 1-866-403-8014), Tupelo (199 Saddle Creek Drive, 1-866-504-4267).
Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 AM to 4 PM; Wednesday 9 AM to noon. Closed weekends and federal holidays.
You only need to sign up for Medicare once — after that, enrollment is permanent.
Mississippi-Specific
Medicare Costs & Savings Programs in Mississippi
Medicare Part B standard monthly premium: $185.00 (2025). The annual Part B deductible is $257. Higher income earners may pay more based on IRMAA income brackets.
Medicare Savings Programs — If your income qualifies, you may get help paying Medicare costs:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Medicaid pays your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Income limit: 100% of federal poverty level.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Medicaid pays your Part B premium. Income limit: 120% of federal poverty level.
- Qualifying Individual (QI): Medicaid pays your Part B premium. Income limit: 135% of federal poverty level.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI): Helps pay the Part A premium for working disabled individuals under 65.
Qualifying for QMB, SLMB, or QI also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Dual Eligibility
Can I Have Medicare and Medicaid in Mississippi?
Yes. It is possible to have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage in Mississippi as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each.
If you are eligible for both, you are classified as dual eligible — which qualifies you for additional benefits and financial assistance.
- Medicare is a federal program based on reaching age 65 or having a qualifying disability.
- Medicaid is a state program based on income and assets — if your income falls below certain thresholds, you can qualify for Medicaid coverage.
If eligible for Medicaid, it can pay for expenses not covered by Medicare (dental, vision, prescription drugs) as well as your monthly Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.
To learn more, contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 or visit your local Medicaid office.
Saving on Coverage
Keys to Saving Money on Medicare
There are two primary keys to saving money on prescription drug costs and Medicare coverage overall.
Formularies and Generic Drugs:
- Medicare drug plans negotiate lower prices for drugs on their formularies. Using those drugs saves you money over using non-formulary drugs.
- Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as brand-name prescription drugs and typically cost significantly less. Ask your doctor if a generic equivalent is appropriate for you.
Annual Plan Review:
- Plans can change their formularies each year. If a plan changes a drug you’re taking, they must give at least 30 days written notice.
- Always review your Medicare Advantage and Part D plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to ensure you’re still getting the best coverage at the best price.
- Working with an independent broker like Stockett & Associates means you can compare all available plans in Mississippi — not just one or two — to find the lowest premium for the coverage you need.
Local Guidance
How to Find a Medicare Agent Near Me in Mississippi
Stockett & Associates has more than 1,000 licensed agents across Mississippi, so you can get paired with an experienced local Medicare agent regardless of where you live in the state.
Our agents will take the time to:
- Answer all your Medicare questions at no cost
- Run plan and cost comparisons across all major carriers
- Explain your options in plain language — no pressure, no obligation
- Help you enroll in the right plan for your specific health needs and budget
Why use an independent broker? An independent broker like Stockett & Associates represents all the major Medicare plans in Mississippi — not just one or two companies. That means you get a comprehensive review of your options rather than a limited pitch from a single-company agent.
We’ve been helping Mississippi residents with Medicare since 1995. Call us at (601) 264-0541 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Mississippi Resources
Additional Resources for Mississippi Medicare Beneficiaries
For more information on Medicare and Mississippi health services, please refer to the following resources:
- Mississippi Department of Insurance: Educational resources on Medicare, long-term care, and avoiding insurance fraud. Call (601) 359-3569 or (800) 562-2957.
- Mississippi State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): FREE, unbiased Medicare and Medicaid counseling for Mississippi residents. Available statewide.
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid: Information on Medicaid eligibility and Medicare Savings Programs. Call 1-800-421-2408.
- Mississippi Department of Human Services: Division of Aging and Adult Services — programs for older adults including meal delivery and transportation. Call (601) 359-4956 or (888) 240-7539.
- Social Security Administration: Apply for Medicare online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
Find the Right Medicare Plan for You
Our licensed agents compare every available plan in Mississippi at no cost to you. Get personalized guidance from a local, independent broker who represents all major Medicare carriers.
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest, local Medicare guidance since 1995.