Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Mississippi (2026)

Key Takeaways

Seven providers offer 32 Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi, with monthly premiums from $0 to $189.

Humana is the best Medicare Advantage provider in Mississippi for both HMO and PPO plans, while Wellcare is the top HMO-POS provider.

Choose your best Medicare Advantage plan by comparing doctor networks, prescription drug coverage and considering your budget for premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers in Mississippi

We evaluated the best Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi based on CMS star ratings, monthly premiums, and maximum out-of-pocket limits to identify the best value for each plan type.

Humana is the best provider in the state for both HMO and PPO coverage.

Humana's HMO plans average 4.1 stars with $0 monthly premiums and a $5,533 average MOOP, while its PPO plans provide broader network access with 4.0-star ratings. Wellcare ranks highest for HMO-POS coverage, with plans averaging 3.0 stars, $16 monthly premiums and $6,000 maximum out-of-pocket limits. The table below shows averages, and not values for specific provider plans.


HMO	Humana	4.10	$0	$5,533	Humana Gold Plus H1036-151 (HMO)
HMO-POS	Wellcare	3.00	$16	$6,000	Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
PPO	Humana	4.00	$24	$8,600	HumanaChoice H7617-085 (PPO)

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans come from private insurance companies that bundle hospital and medical coverage together. These Part C plans add benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drugs that aren't covered under traditional Medicare.

CMS Star Ratings: Medicare scores each plan from 1 to 5 stars based on care quality and member satisfaction. Plans with 4 or 5 stars show the best performance across health outcomes and customer service.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your regular Part B premium plus any extra monthly cost for your specific plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi charge $0 additional premium beyond Part B.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: This yearly cap protects you from unlimited medical bills. Once you hit your MOOP limit, your plan covers 100% of remaining costs for covered services.
Prescription drug coverage: Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D medication benefits built right in. Check each plan's drug list to make sure your prescriptions are covered and understand any restrictions.

Humana

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.1
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- HMO CMS ratings as high as 4.5 stars
- 5 of 10 plans charge $0 monthly premium
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage included with all plans
cons
- No HMO-POS plan options
- Out-of-pocket maximums up to $8,850
Humana is the leading Medicare Advantage provider in Mississippi, offering a selection of HMO and PPO plans. For HMO coverage, the Humana Gold Plus H1036-151 stands out with a 4.5-star rating, $0 monthly premiums, and a competitive $4,900 maximum out-of-pocket cost, while two additional HMO plans provide similar value with star ratings from 3.5 to 4.5.

In the PPO category, the HumanaChoice H7617-085 plan delivers flexibility to see out-of-network providers, a 4.5-star rating, $0 monthly premium and the lowest MOOP at $4,201. All Humana plans are priced below the national average and include enhanced Part D prescription coverage, with most offering no deductible on select medication tiers.

WellCare

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.0
Plan Types
HMO-POS, PPO

pros
- Three plans with $0 monthly premium
- Members can see out-of-network providers
cons
- No standard HMO plans
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Wellcare offers five Medicare Advantage plans, including four HMO-POS options and one PPO. The Wellcare Simple HMO-POS plan stands out with $0 monthly premiums, a $5,500 maximum out-of-pocket cost, and enhanced Part D coverage with no deductible on select medications.

The Wellcare Assist plan charges $16 monthly with a $6,000 MOOP and basic prescription coverage, while the Low Premium plan offers a $38 monthly premium with a $5,600 MOOP for those seeking lower out-of-pocket limits. Wellcare’s Simple Open PPO plan provides $0 monthly premiums, a $6,750 MOOP, and a 3.5-star rating, allowing members more flexibility to see out-of-network providers.

Best Mississippi HMO Medicare Advantage Providers

Seniors can choose from nine HMO Medicare Advantage plans across four providers in Mississippi, with most plans charging no monthly premium. Out-of-pocket maximums range from $3,900 to $9,250, averaging $6,119 annually and all include enhanced Part D prescription coverage.

Humana leads the HMO market with three plans earning 4.1 stars on average, all with $0 monthly premiums and an average MOOP of $5,533.
Zing Health offers two plans with no premium and the lowest average MOOP of $4,380, though the provider has a low 2.5-star CMS rating.
Cigna HealthCare has two HMO plans at $7 monthly, delivering solid 4.0-star ratings and an average maximum out-of-pocket cost of $5,899.


Humana	4.10	$0	$5,533	3	5.00
Zing Health	2.50	$0	$4,380	2	5.00
Cigna HealthCare	4.00	$7	$5,899	2	4.08
Aetna	3.50	$0	$9,250	2	3.94

HMO PROS AND CONS

HMO Medicare Advantage plans require you to stay within specific provider networks and get referrals before seeing specialists. But you'll benefit from lower premiums, reduced out-of-pocket costs and coordinated care through your primary doctor. These plans suit Mississippi residents who don't mind having their primary care physician manage their health care.

Best Mississippi HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Providers

Out-of-network access makes HMO-POS plans an attractive option in Mississippi, where five plans are available from two providers. Three plans charge $0 monthly premiums, though the average premium is $10 per month. Maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $5,500 to $7,700, averaging $6,140 annually, providing protection for members who occasionally need out-of-network care.

UnitedHealthcare leads the state’s HMO-POS options with one plan at $0 per month, featuring a $5,900 maximum out-of-pocket limit, and a 4.0-star rating.
Wellcare offers four plans averaging $16 per month, with $6,000 MOOP limits and a low 3.0-star rating.


UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$0	$5,900	1	5.00
Wellcare	3.00	$16	$6,000	4	5.00

HMO-POS PROS AND CONS

HMO-POS plans cost less than most Medicare Advantage options while still letting you see out-of-network doctors when needed, though you'll pay extra. They're helpful if you want affordable monthly premiums and don't mind using a primary care doctor to coordinate most of your care, but occasionally need specialists outside your network.

Best Mississippi PPO Medicare Advantage Providers

PPO plans in Mississippi provide greater network flexibility but come with higher costs compared with more restrictive options. The state offers 17 PPO Medicare Advantage plans from six providers, averaging $12 per month, though 11 plans charge $0. Maximum out-of-pocket limits average $7,154 and range from $4,201 to $9,250, reflecting out-of-network care expenses.

Humana leads the state’s PPO options with a six plans featuring a 4.0-star rating and $24 average monthly premium, though the $8,600 average MOOP limit is on the higher side.
Cigna HealthCare ranks second with one plan at $0 monthly with a $6,267 MOOP cap, and a 3.0-star rating.
Wellcare has one PPO plan charging $0 per month with a 3.5-star rating and a $6,750 maximum out-of-pocket limit.


Humana	4.00	$24	$8,600	6	5.00
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$6,267	1	4.21
Wellcare	3.50	$0	$6,750	1	4.21
Patrius Health	3.00	$0	$5,773	3	4.15
Aetna	4.50	$11	$9,250	3	4.03
UnitedHealthcare	3.50	$15	$7,167	3	3.77

PPO PROS AND CONS

PPO Medicare Advantage plans have higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums, but you get complete provider flexibility. You can visit any Medicare-approved doctor without referrals and access both in-network and out-of-network care, though out-of-network services cost more. These plans work well for Mississippi residents who travel often or want access to specialists without getting permission first.

How to Find the Best Mississippi Medicare Advantage Plans

Consider your preferred doctors, prescription coverage and budget for out-of-pocket expenses when choosing a plan.

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan in Mississippi, confirm your current doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals participate in the plan's network. HMO plans limit you to in-network providers except for emergencies, while PPO plans allow out-of-network access at higher costs. Understanding these differences helps you choose coverage that works with your existing healthcare relationships. Learn more about health insurance network types.
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
The maximum out-of-pocket limit represents the most you'll pay for covered services annually, which matters more if you need frequent care. For example, a plan with $0 premium but $7,833 maximum costs could exceed one charging $29 monthly with a $6,750 limit.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Check that your medications appear on each plan's drug formulary and understand their tier placement, which affects your prescription costs. Most Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi include Part D drug coverage, though some require separate enrollment. Pay close attention to tier levels since moving from tier 2 to tier 3 can increase your monthly medication expenses.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans often include extras, such as dental care, vision services, hearing aids, fitness center memberships and transportation to medical appointments.Compare which additional benefits each plan offers and match them to your specific health and wellness needs.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Review each plan's CMS star rating, which measures quality and performance on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Plans earning 4 or 5 stars provide better customer service, care coordination and health outcomes.

Average Mississippi Medicare Advantage Cost

Network structure is the main factor influencing Medicare Advantage plan cost in Mississippi. Plans with tighter provider networks keep monthly premiums lower but have higher out-of-pocket limits.

HMO plans offer the most affordable premiums at $0 median monthly cost, though they carry a $6,119 average maximum out-of-pocket expense. HMO-POS plans add slight flexibility for $11 average monthly with $6,140 MOOP. PPO plans cost $12 monthly on average with $7,154 maximum out-of-pocket limits. Regional PPO plans flip the cost structure entirely at $189 monthly premiums but deliver the lowest $3,300 average MOOP in the state.


HMO	$0	$2	$6,119
HMO-POS	$0	$11	$6,140
PPO	$0	$12	$7,154
Regional PPO	$189	$189	$3,300

Best Mississippi Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about Mississippi Medicare Advantage plans:

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Mississippi?

Mississippi residents can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 to March 31). You may also enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify due to circumstances like relocating or losing other coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Mississippi?

Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi include prescription drug coverage as part of their benefits. Before enrolling, confirm your medications appear on the plan's formulary and review their tier levels, since higher tiers result in increased copay expenses.

Do I need to change Medicare Advantage plans if I move to a different county in Mississippi?

You may need to switch plans since Medicare Advantage networks differ across counties in Mississippi. Notify your current insurer within 30 days of relocating to understand your options. You'll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in a new plan available in your area.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Mississippi Medicare Advantage Plans

We assessed Medicare Advantage plans using three core criteria:

Affordability (50%): Costs represent half the total score due to their immediate effect on your spending. We analyzed combined monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage (weighted at 30%) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (weighted at 20%). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP thresholds score higher by reducing annual health care expenses.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings evaluate plan performance in care quality, customer service and member experience. The Overall Star Rating merges Part C (medical benefits) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) scores into one rating on a 1 to 5-star scale. Higher-rated plans score better in our evaluation.
Availability (10%): We consider each insurer's coverage area across the United States. Providers serving more states score higher, as broader availability indicates better infrastructure, stronger support and better continuity if you relocate.

These factors create a fair comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, weighing costs against care quality and service.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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