Updated: May 22, 2024
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Choosing a metal tier other than Silver can affect your premiums and out-of-pocket costs. In Mississippi, Cigna offers the most affordable Bronze and Silver plans, while Vantage Health Plan has the lowest-priced Expanded Bronze and Molina the cheapest Gold tier.
If you're looking to balance affordability with high quality and ample coverage options, MoneyGeek also analyzed the best health insurance in Mississippi.
CheapestHealth InsuranceMississippiMost Affordable Health Insurance in Mississippi
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Mississippi directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.
The most affordable plan in the Silver tier in Mississippi is the Connect Silver CMS Standard offered by Cigna, with a monthly cost of $491. Silver plans are the most commonly selected due to a balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. However, for individuals willing to accept higher out-of-pocket costs in exchange for lower monthly rates, Bronze plans may be a suitable choice.
Health insurance premiums vary between metal tiers, balancing between higher monthly costs for lower out-of-pocket expenses and vice versa.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:
For more information on finding cheap health insurance, please visit MoneyGeek.
| Expanded Bronze | PlanSavings Bronze 7400 | CompanyVantage Health Plan | Monthly Cost$437 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,700 |
| Bronze | PlanConnect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible | CompanyCigna | Monthly Cost$443 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Silver | PlanConnect Silver CMS Standard | CompanyCigna | Monthly Cost$491 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 |
| Gold | PlanGold 1 | CompanyMolina | Monthly Cost$581 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,100 |
Consumers can select from various metal tiers in the Mississippi health insurance marketplace, including Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold. These tiers indicate the insurer's share of health care costs versus the consumer's share and impact the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
Bronze and Expanded Bronze plans typically have lower monthly premiums, like the $443 for the Connect Bronze 9450 plan and the $437 for the Savings Bronze 7400 plan, but they come with higher out-of-pocket maximums, which are around $9,450 and $7,700 respectively. These plans have lower monthly costs but could mean higher costs when accessing medical care.
Silver plans, such as the Connect Silver CMS Standard, with a monthly cost of $491, offer moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs, capped near $9,100. Gold plans, exemplified by 'Gold 1' costing $581 per month, feature higher premiums yet smaller out-of-pocket expenses with a maximum of $8,100. These plans can be ideal if you need frequent medical care or want more predictable health care costs.
For individuals earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line, cost-sharing reductions are available on Silver plans. These reductions lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance, making health care much more affordable. By choosing a Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions, a person with a limited income can enjoy lower out-of-pocket costs without paying the premium prices associated with Gold plans. This can make essential health care services more accessible.
The Connect Silver CMS Standard plan offered by Cigna is the most affordable option in the Silver tier available in Mississippi, with a monthly cost of $491.
Mississippi's three most affordable Silver health plans include:
Silver plans in Mississippi are especially well-suited for individuals who expect moderate health care use. They offer a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs when seeking medical care. For those with lower incomes, cost-sharing reductions can significantly lower the amount they pay for deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance, ultimately reducing their total health care expenses.
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$491 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanConnect Silver CMS Standard |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanConnect Silver 7000 Indiv Med Deductible |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanConnect Silver 5000 Indiv Med Deductible |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$496 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanStandard Silver with Walgreens |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$497 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,400 | PlanAmbetter Virtual Access Silver |
The Gold 1 plan from Molina currently stands as the most affordable Gold tier health insurance plan in Mississippi, with a monthly cost of $581.
The three most affordable Gold health plans in Mississippi are:
Gold plans are ideal for individuals who expect to need medical care frequently as they offer better cost-sharing than Silver or Bronze plans. These plans typically have higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. Therefore, Gold plans can be suitable for customers who prioritize predictable health care costs and want to minimize their expenses when receiving medical treatment.
| Molina | Monthly Cost$581 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,100 | PlanGold 1 |
| Molina | Monthly Cost$585 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,100 | PlanGold 1 with Adult Vision Services |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$611 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500 | PlanEveryday Gold with Walgreens |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$611 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanStandard Gold with Walgreens |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$617 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanAmbetter Virtual Access Gold |
The Connect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible offered by Cigna is the most cost-effective Bronze plan in Mississippi, with a monthly premium of $443.
Given that Mississippi has a limited selection of Bronze plans, the Connect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible from Cigna is the cheapest and the only Bronze tier option available for consumers.
Bronze plans are designed for individuals who prioritize low monthly premiums while still obtaining essential health coverage. They are best suited for those who are generally healthy and do not expect to need significant medical care throughout the year. While the lower monthly cost is a considerable benefit, it’s important to remember that these plans come with higher out-of-pocket expenses when accessing health care services.
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$443 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanConnect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible |
| UnitedHealthcare | Monthly Cost$497 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanUHC Bronze Essential |
The Savings Bronze 7400 from Vantage Health Plan takes the lead as the overall cheapest Expanded Bronze tier plan in Mississippi at a monthly cost of $437.
The three most affordable Expanded Bronze plans in Mississippi are:
Expanded Bronze plans are ideal for individuals who want lower monthly premiums while still having coverage for essential health benefits. They are particularly suitable for those who are relatively healthy and do not expect to need significant medical care, as they tend to have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. These plans can also provide a safety net for unexpected medical events, ensuring essential health needs are covered without the high costs of more premium plans.
| Vantage Health Plan | Monthly Cost$437 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,700 | PlanSavings Bronze 7400 |
| Vantage Health Plan | Monthly Cost$437 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,700 | PlanSavings Bronze 5500 |
| Vantage Health Plan | Monthly Cost$444 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanEssential Bronze 6500 |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$457 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanConnect Bronze 8500 Indiv Med Deductible |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$462 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanConnect Bronze 5500 Enhanced Diabetes Care |
Individuals in Mississippi earning 250% below the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, which make health care more affordable by reducing deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.
The Connect Silver CMS Standard plan from Cigna is the most affordable Silver plan for those with an income between $14,580 and $21,870, featuring a Maximum Out-of-Pocket cost of $1,800. The two most cost-effective Silver plans are:
Cost-sharing reductions in Mississippi are only available with Silver plans. The income figures provided are for a single individual's earnings and will vary according to household size.
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$491 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanConnect Silver CMS Standard |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,000 | PlanConnect Silver 7000 Indiv Med Deductible |
| Cigna | Monthly Cost$493 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,225 | PlanConnect Silver 5000 Indiv Med Deductible |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$496 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanStandard Silver with Walgreens |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$497 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$900 | PlanAmbetter Virtual Access Silver |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance in Silver health insurance plans for eligible individuals with moderate incomes.
For example, for the Cigna Connect Silver CMS Standard plan, a person without CSRs faces a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) cost of $7,200, whereas someone with a 94% AV Level Silver Plan CSR sees their MOOP reduced to $1,800. Higher-level CSRs provide greater savings on out-of-pocket expenses.
Te most popular plan type in MIssissippi is HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and POS (Point of Service) plans are also available for those not interested in HMO plans.
The most affordable HMO plan is the Standard Silver with Walgreens from Ambetter, priced at $496 monthly.
EPO plans provide a balance between HMO and PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) plans, with some flexibility in choosing providers but usually no coverage for out-of-network care. POS plans offer more flexibility than HMOs, allowing patients to seek out-of-network care but may require a referral from a primary care provider.
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$496 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanStandard Silver with Walgreens |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$497 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,400 | PlanAmbetter Virtual Access Silver |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$499 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,400 | PlanClear Silver with Walgreens |
| Ambetter | Monthly Cost$507 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000 | PlanFocused Silver with Walgreens |
| Molina | Monthly Cost$509 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 |
The most common plan type in Mississippi is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. Other plan types available in Mississippi include the Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and Point of Service (POS) plans.
Here's a breakdown of the differences among these plan types:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMOs have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than other plan types. You have to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals for specialist care, which can lead to more coordinated care. You have limited freedom to see doctors outside of the HMO network. If you see an out-of-network provider, the services may not be covered except in an emergency. You generally need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): EPOs provide a balance between cost and flexibility; they offer more choice of providers than HMOs but fewer than PPOs. You do not need a referral to see a specialist within the EPO's network. Like HMOs, out-of-network care is not covered except in emergencie, so you must stay within the network to avoid out-of-pocket costs. You may have to pay more compared to an HMO for this flexibility.
Point of Service (POS): POS plans offer more flexibility than HMOs by allowing visits to out-of-network providers, though at a higher cost. They combine features of HMOs and PPOs, offering a primary care provider who can refer you to in-network specialists for lower costs. Out-of-pocket costs can be more expensive if you go out-of-network, and you may have to file your own insurance claims. You'll still need to choose a PCP and get referrals to see specialists, which can be a hassle for some individuals.
Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in Mississippi. This means that where you live in the state can influence the cost and options for your health insurance coverage.
Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation in monthly rates:
The following table details all available plans in each county in Mississippi.
| Molina | Monthly Cost$495 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 |
| Molina | Monthly Cost$499 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 with Adult Vision Services |
Age is key in figuring out health insurance prices in Mississippi. An 18-year-old with a silver plan pays about $254, while a 60-year-old pays around $1,086. That's a huge difference of $832 more for the older person.
Health plans have different metal tiers which affect how much you pay. A 40-year-old with a bronze plan would spend about $470 a month. If that person chooses a gold plan, the cost rises to roughly $700 a month. That's $230 more for a higher tier plan.
MoneyGeek broke down the health insurance options available in Mississippi, explaining each one carefully. We cover private insurance plans in the marketplace which come in different metal tiers – bronze, silver, gold and platinum – as well as Medicaid and Medicare. Our aim is to help you understand the choices so you can make smart decisions about your health care.
The open enrollment period for private health insurance in Mississippi typically aligns with the federal Health Insurance Marketplace schedule, generally running from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this period, residents can shop for, compare, and purchase health insurance plans. If you miss the December 15 deadline, you may not be able to enroll in a plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage, which allow you to enroll outside of the regular open enrollment window.
Medicaid is a government-funded health care program providing medical assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Mississippi, eligibility for Medicaid is determined by several factors, including income level, age, pregnancy status, disability status, and family size. Primarily, it benefits children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Adults without dependent children are generally not eligible unless they have a disability or are elderly. The specific income thresholds and categorical eligibility criteria are set by state regulations and can change, so it's important to check with Mississippi's Division of Medicaid for the most current eligibility requirements.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or over, and also for some younger people with disabilities or end-stage renal disease, regardless of income. In Mississippi, eligibility is consistent with the federal guidelines. Medicare is divided into several parts: Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, and some home health care. Part B covers doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and B and often includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) along with extra benefits and services. Part D covers prescription drugs and is offered through private insurance companies.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Mississippi and best Medicare Supplement plans in Mississippi have been evaluated by MoneyGeek.
When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Texas to help you learn more.
The cheapest silver plan in Mississippi is provided by Cigna, called the Connect Silver CMS Standard, with a monthly cost of $491. Meanwhile, Molina offers the cheapest gold plan in Mississippi, named Gold 1, at a monthly rate of $581.
Although you'll pay a lower monthly premium for a cheap health insurance plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. More expensive plans cover more comprehensive services and lower your out-of-pocket maximums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
