Mississippi is home to over 608,000 Medicare beneficiaries, and Medicare provides adequate health coverage to many older Americans but often falls short of beneficiaries’ needs without additional coverage. This article explores the basics of supplemental Mississippi Medicare plans available to the state’s beneficiaries.

Mississippi: Facts & Figures

  • Mississippi has approximately 480,000 beneficiaries with Part A and B coverage.
  • Almost 385,000 of them aged into the program.
  • Medicare Advantage covers more than 136,000 beneficiaries in the state.
  • Over 438,000 Mississippians choose to enroll in Part D plans.

Medicare Costs in Mississippi for 2024

Part A of Medicare covers the costs of emergency medical care like ambulance trips and hospital stays. A ten-year work history qualifies beneficiaries for free coverage. However, beneficiaries are responsible for a standard premium for Part B, which covers doctor visits and vaccinations.

Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 Medicare Part B Costs in 2023
  • Part A is premium-free for most
  • Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period
  • Inpatient hospital stay days 61-90 is $400
  • The standard Part B premium is $164.90
  • The annual deductible for Part B is $226
  • Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20% out-of-pocket

Original Medicare Coverage

The Part A portion of Medicare has around 479,000 beneficiaries enrolled in Mississippi. With approximately 442,000 enrolled residents, Part B covers fewer people. About 87,000 of the state’s total beneficiaries qualify for the program due to disability, while the rest become eligible at 65.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)

  • Inpatient care in hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

  • Services from doctors and health providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Some preventive services

Supplemental Medicare Plans in Mississippi

As many Americans face increasing financial difficulties amid rising prices and inflation, researching and using care before choosing healthcare coverage is crucial for maintaining a stable budget.

Under Original Medicare, serious medical challenges can leave beneficiaries with massive bills. However, Medicare beneficiaries can enhance their coverage with the help of supplemental insurance plans.

Although Medicare partially covers the treatment of many medical conditions patients in the United States commonly face, most beneficiaries choose to purchase supplemental insurance.

An extension to part A and part B coverage, supplement health insurance plans offer additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides. However, it’s important to note that the government does not offer these plans.

While the federal government provides Original Medicare coverage, private insurance providers sell Medicare Supplement plans, sometimes called Medigap.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, ensure that beneficiaries receive protection from high costs. Beneficiaries with tighter budgets can also benefit from Medicare Advantage plans, which provide similar benefits at a lower price.

The Part D program, which covers prescription drugs, is another essential supplemental plan. Even though these medications are vital for treating various conditions and illnesses, beneficiaries are still responsible for the costs under Original Medicare. As a result, most beneficiaries elect to purchase Part D coverage.

Mississippi Medicare Resources

While Medicare can be confusing, the government offers several resources to assist you in enrolling and adjusting your coverage. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, or SHIP, are excellent places to start. SHIP sites differ for each state, so visit the Mississippi website to learn more.

Medicaid is another insurance program the United States government offers to assist American citizens with health care. Medicaid and Medicare are separate programs, but many beneficiaries utilize them together to increase their coverage. Visit the Mississippi Medicaid website to learn whether Medicaid is right for you.

When it comes to health insurance another good resource is the Mississippi Insurance Department. The Mississippi Insurance Department defends consumers and promotes best practices as the state’s insurance regulatory agency. Contact the Insurance Department immediately if you suspect an insurance company is mistreating you.

Visit Medigap.com for more information about Medicare Supplements and Medigap plans. In Mississippi and throughout the United States, Medigap.com proudly provides helpful services to Medicare beneficiaries.

Cities in Mississippi with Medicare Supplement Coverage’s Estimated Premiums

If you want to look more closely at the numbers of some estimated costs for Medigap plans, see these handy charts we created for the following Mississippi cities:

FAQs

What Benefits Come with Original Medicare in Mississippi?

Original Medicare’s coverage includes Part A and Part B.  Part A Medicare covers inpatient hospital care, while Part B offers coverage for physician’s care. Although these aspects of Medicare cover hospitalizations and standard doctor’s visits, they leave substantial gaps in coverage.

How Do I Know If I Have Original Medicare in Mississippi?

The federal government automatically enrolls many Americans in Medicare, so it’s essential to know whether you already receive coverage from the program. In Mississippi, the government enrolls residents in Medicare after two years of Social Security benefits or at 65. Therefore, if you receive Social Security benefits, it’s likely that you’re a beneficiary of Medicare.

Does Medicare Part C Replace A and B in Mississippi?

Enrolling in Medicare Part C or a Medicare Advantage plan means your Part A and B benefits get provided by a private insurance provider rather than Original Medicare.

What Is the Difference Between Part A and Part B Medicare in Mississippi?

There are two aspects of Original Medicare coverage. Part B covers routine treatments such as checkups and vaccinations, while Part A covers inpatient procedures like surgeries and hospital trips.

Does Medicare in Mississippi cover a Wheelchair?

In Mississippi, Medicare Part B covers the cost of wheelchairs and other mobility devices for beneficiaries with qualifying conditions. If you and your doctor believe that a wheelchair is necessary for your treatment, you can potentially pursue reimbursement from Medicare Part B for the device.

How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Mississippi

Healthcare is a complex topic, and making decisions regarding your coverage can be challenging. Our expert staff at Medigap.com can explain the process and help you choose the right supplemental Medicare plan for your budget and insurance needs. Our free services enable you to find the ideal program and provider in Mississippi.

Healthcare is a significant financial concern for many Americans, and you could face enormous expenses if your coverage is inadequate. Mississippi beneficiaries who need help choosing a supplemental plan can count on our team. Call us or complete our simple web form to get rates for Mississippi Medicare plans today.


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Written By:
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Lindsay Malzone, Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage.
Reviewed By:
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Rodolfo Marrero, Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content.