Best Health InsuranceMississippiBest Mississippi Health Insurance (2023 Plans)
Compare Rates and Save on Car Insurance
By , Content Manager
Updated: Aug 8, 2023
Best Health InsuranceMississippiBest Health Insurance in Mississippi
Best Overall in Mississippi - Vantage Health Plan
Best for Low MOOP - Cigna
Best Cheap - Vantage Health Plan
Best for Low Income - Vantage Health Plan
Best for Young Adults - Vantage Health Plan
Best for HMO - Ambetter
Best for EPO - Cigna
Best for POS - Vantage Health Plan
Best Short-Term Insurance - National General Accident & Health
Best Overall for Health Insurance in Mississippi
Vantage Health Plan is the best health insurance provider in Mississippi, earning a MoneyGeek score of 65 out of 100. Of the insurers we evaluated, its plans feature the most affordable average monthly premium. Furthermore, prospective policyholders can choose from a wide variety of plan types.
MoneyGeek's analysis was based on a review of seven EPO, 20 HMO and two POS plans in Mississippi.
MoneyGeek Pick: Vantage Health Plan
pros
Offers the most affordable plan options out of the five insurers in our comparison group
Offers several health plan types to choose from
Has a below-average denial rate compared to other insurers
cons
High average MOOP costs
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Vantage Health Plan is our top pick for health insurance in Mississippi, offering two Silver POS plans. POS plans typically provide more out-of-network coverage, but this comes at a higher cost. Although this provider has the most affordable monthly premiums at $468, its plans also feature the highest average MOOP cost of $8,550.
Plan Recommendations
We recommend the following two Silver POS plans from Vantage Health Plan:
- Freedom Silver 4000: $473 per month; MOOP $8,200
- Standard Silver 5800: $463 per month; MOOP $8,900
Best Health Insurance in Mississippi for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs
In Mississippi, Cigna emerged as the top provider for individuals seeking health insurance with low out-of-pocket costs. The insurer received a MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 for its excellent track of claims approval and low out-of-pocket costs.
MoneyGeek reviewed two Gold EPO plans, 12 Gold HMO plans and two Gold POS plans to arrive at this conclusion.
MoneyGeek Pick: Cigna
pros
Has a high claims approval rate
Offers more plan types than other insurers
Has the lowest MOOP cost compared to similar providers
cons
Has a high average monthly premium cost
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Cigna offers two Gold plans in Mississippi. These plans have an average monthly cost of $719, which is higher than most of the other insurers that we evaluated. However, Cigna also has the lowest average MOOP cost at $7,600, meaning, you’ll pay less out of pocket with this insurer.
Of the insurers evaluated, Cigna reportedly denies the fewest claims — approximately 16% of claims are denied. Additionally, Cigna offers EPO plans, which are more affordable but don’t provide coverage for out-of-network providers, unless it’s a medical emergency.
Plan Recommendations
We recommend the following plans from Cigna for those seeking health insurance with a low MOOP cost:
- Cigna Connect 2300: $726 per month; MOOP $6,500
- Cigna Simple Choice 2000: $712 per month; MOOP $8,700
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Mississippi
MoneyGeek’s data shows that Vantage Health Plan offers the cheapest health insurance in Mississippi. The company received a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 for its affordable rates and variety of plans.
In this category, MoneyGeek placed greater weight on plan affordability, favoring insurers that offered lower monthly premiums. Though a lower premium will reduce the amount you pay each month, it’s important to recognize that these plans typically come with higher out-of-pocket costs.
We reviewed seven Silver EPO plans, 20 Silver HMO plans and two Silver POP plans to determine the most affordable provider in Mississippi.
If you're focused soley on cost, MoneyGeek also determined the cheapest health insurance in Mississippi.
MoneyGeek Pick: Vantage Health Plan
pros
Better-than-average claims denial rate
High affordability score
Offers multiple plan types
cons
High MOOP costs in comparison to other insurers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Of the five health insurance companies we evaluated in Mississippi, Vantage Health Plan has the cheapest average monthly premium at $468. Though your monthly payment will be less, you may end up paying more out of pocket if you need medical care, as the insurer’s average MOOP cost is $8,550.
The insurer denies approximately 24% of claims, which is below average in comparison to the other insurers we looked at. Vantage Health Plan offers two Silver POS plans. Though more expensive, POS plans have the advantage of allowing policyholders to choose between cheaper in-network coverage and slightly more expensive out-of-network coverage.
Plan Recommendations
- Freedom Silver 5800: $463 per month; MOOP $8,900
- Freedom Silver 4000: $473 per month; MOOP $8,200
Best Health Insurance for Low Income in Mississippi
Vantage Health Plan is the least expensive health insurance provider for those with low incomes in Mississippi. The insurer received a MoneyGeek score of 71 out of 100.
For this category, we only evaluated plans that offered cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) and weighted insurers’ average monthly premium costs more in our overall score.
CSRs are a form of financial assistance that reduces out-of-pocket costs for those whose annual income falls below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL). These offset your MOOP costs without raising your monthly premium. A typical Silver plan covers around 70% of expected health care costs, while plans that include CSRs cover more, depending on your annual income bracket. In Mississippi, for instance:
- Those with annual incomes between $27,180 and $33,975 per year (201%–250% of the FPL) can expect to have 73% of their health insurance costs covered.
- Those with annual incomes between $20,385 and $27,180 per year (151%–200% of the FPL) can expect to have 87% of their costs covered.
- Individuals with annual incomes below $20,385 per year (up to 150% of the FPL) can expect to have 94% of their costs covered.
Remember that these income brackets shift depending on the number of people in your household.
MoneyGeek Pick: Vantage Health Plan
pros
Offers the most affordable monthly premium
Better-than-average claims denial score
cons
Lower-than-average MOOP cost in comparison to other insurers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For low-income residents in Mississippi, Vantage Health Plan offers the best health insurance. Its low-income plans are available for $468 per month to individuals whose annual income falls within 201%–250% of the FPL. The company's higher-than-average claims rating indicates that your claim will have a greater chance of being approved by this insurer. Vantage Health Plan offers two Silver POS plans that include cost-sharing reductions.
Plan Recommendations
The Standard Silver 5800 plan is the best option from Vantage Health Plans for those in Mississippi. Those in lower income brackets can obtain coverage with lower out-of-pocket costs for the same price per month.
- 201%–250% of the FPL: $463 per month; MOOP $7,200
- 151%–200% of the FPL: $463 per month; MOOP $3,000
- Up to 150% of the FPL: $463 per month; MOOP $1,700
Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in Mississippi
In Mississippi, Vantage Health Plan offers the best health insurance for young adults, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100. To identify the least expensive plans, we evaluated providers offering Bronze or Catastrophic plans, which typically feature lower monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket expenses. Only those aged 30 and under are eligible for Catastrophic plans.
We assessed the following number of plan tiers and types in Mississippi:
- Bronze: Six HMO plans and two EPO plans
- Expanded Bronze: 11 HMO plans, four EPO plans and four POS plans
MoneyGeek Pick: Vantage Health Plan
pros
Offers the most affordable monthly premium among the evaluated insurers
Has the lowest MOOP cost out of the insurers we evaluated
Has a better-than-average claims denial score
cons
Has limited plan options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
In Mississippi, Vantage Health Plan provides health insurance plans to young adults at an average cost of $337 per month and an average MOOP of $8,125. The insurer offers four Expanded Bronze POS plans.
Different metal tiers offer different amounts of coverage. Catastrophic, Bronze and Expanded Bronze tiers are popular among young people in good health who do not frequently require medical services.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the following plans from Vantage Health Plan for young adults in Mississippi:
- Savings Bronze 5500: $207 per month for 18-year-olds and $333 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,200
- Savings Bronze 7200: $207 per month for 18-year-olds and $333 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,200
- Essential Bronze 6500: $210 per month for 18-year-olds and $338 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $8,100
Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in Mississippi
Health insurance providers in Mississippi may offer different plans. The following are the best providers in the state for different types of plans:
- Best HMO Plan: Ambetter (MoneyGeek score of 60 out of 100)
- Best EPO Plan: Cigna (MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100)
- Best POS Plan: Vantage Health Plan (MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100)
All of the plans mentioned above are Silver plans, which are designed to provide a balance between premium costs and out-of-pocket costs. These plans provide access to a wide range of health care services at an affordable rate.
There are seven Silver EPO plans, 20 Silver HMO plans and two Silver POS plans in Mississippi.
MoneyGeek Pick for HMO: Ambetter
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Ambetter provides ten HMO Silver plans at an average monthly cost of $494 and an average MOOP cost of $7,590. Though the least expensive of the insurers we evaluated, Ambetter has the highest claims denial rating, rejecting over 38% of policyholder claims.
A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a type of health insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage at a lower cost than traditional insurance. HMOs require members to use a network of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers that are contracted with the HMO. Members are required to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates their care and refers them to specialists when needed.
Plan Recommendations
We recommend the following two HMO Silver plans from Ambetter:
- Clear Silver with Walgreens: $480 per month; MOOP $5,400
- Clear Silver with Walgreens + Vision + Adult Dental: $500 per month; MOOP $5,400
MoneyGeek Pick for EPO: Cigna
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Cigna offers seven Silver EPO plans for Mississippi residents, with an average cost of $491 per month and an average MOOP cost of $8,986. These are the most affordable rates among the insurers evaluated in this category. The insurer also has an excellent track record of approving claims.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans require members to receive care only from a specific network of doctors, hospitals and other providers. This type of plan provides members with coverage only when they use the providers in the EPO network and typically does not cover out-of-network care except in the case of an emergency.
Plan Recommendations
The following are our top choices for Silver EPO plans from Cigna:
- Cigna Connect 8500B: $491 per month; MOOP $8,500
- Cigna Simple Choice 5800: $488 per month; MOOP $8,900
MoneyGeek Pick for POS: Vantage Health Plan
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Vantage Health Plan offers two Silver POS plans, with an average monthly cost of $468 and an average MOOP cost of $8,550. Its claims denial rate is approximately 24%, which is the lowest out of the insurers we evaluated.
A Point of Service (POS) plan is a type of managed health care plan that combines the benefits of an HMO plan and a PPO plan. With a POS plan, members have the flexibility to use in-network providers, as well as the option to choose out-of-network providers for a higher fee. The POS plan also provides members with the ability to see specialists without the need for a primary care referral.
Plan Recommendations
The following are the top two POS plans from Vantage Health Plan:
- Freedom Silver 4000: $473 per month; MOOP $8,200
- Standard Silver 5800: $463 per month; MOOP $8,900
Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Mississippi
National General Accident & Health offers the best short-term health insurance in Mississippi. The company earned a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. Short-term health insurance plans do not provide the same level of protection as plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA); they do not offer essential health benefits.
National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health provides a wide range of insurance products and services to Mississippi residents. These include short-term health insurance, dental and supplemental insurance. Its short-term health insurance policies feature an average MOOP cost of $7,500. It has a network of over 49,000 agents and brokers and received an A+ from the Better Business Bureau. Plan durations range from 30 days to up to a year and may include coverage for prescriptions, urgent care and office visit benefits.
How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in Mississippi
Finding the best health insurance for you in Mississippi can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider when shopping for health insurance, such as your health care needs, your budget, the types of services offered and the network of providers available. To find the best health plan, it's important to understand your own needs and preferences.
Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you
Mississippi offers 49 HMOs, 15 PPOs and eight POS plans. HMOs are often affordable, but they require that you use in-network providers, except during a medical emergency. With this type of plan, you will also need a referral to see a specialist.
EPOs are like HMOs, except you may not need a referral for a specialist. With POS plans, you can receive coverage for both in- and out-of-network providers, but out-of-network services will cost more.
Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care
When looking for the best health insurance for you in Mississippi, it’s important to consider both the monthly premiums and the out-of-pocket costs. Generally, plans with lower monthly premiums feature higher out-of-pocket costs. For example, Vantage Health Plan costs an average of $468 per month, but its average MOOP cost is quite high at $8,550. This means that you may pay more for medical services and medications, but you will pay less for your monthly premium.
Consider Mississippi Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible
If you are aged 65 or older or have a qualifying medical disability, you may be eligible for Medicare. This is a government-funded program that offers medical coverage at affordable prices.
Medicare has the following parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and certain home health care services.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): This features income-based premiums and covers outpatient treatment, supplies and preventive care.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): This benefit helps cover the cost of vaccines and prescription drugs.
MoneyGeek also provided resources to help you find the best Medicare Advantage and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi.
Another federal program that helps those with lower incomes is Medicaid. This service is available to those who meet certain requirements, such as parents or caretakers of children, pregnant women, children with disabilities living at home, working adults or elderly with disabilities and former or current individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Mississippi
You might have questions about health insurance cost and availability. MoneyGeek answered the most frequently asked questions about health insurance in Mississippi to make the process easier for you.
About Brenna Kelly, Licensed Health Insurance Agent
sources
- Mississippi Division of Medicaid. "Who Qualifies for Coverage?." Accessed December 28, 2022.