.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
Nursing Homes in Mississippi
Mississippi is home to 2.9 million residents, including 500,000 senior citizens, and nearly one-third of the population is aged 50 or older. As more people find a home in Mississippi, more residents will require support from nursing homes and other long-term care providers. Many people receive skilled nursing as they transition from hospitals or recover from surgeries. However, some individuals live in nursing homes for years.
Nursing homes use a team of nurses and certified nursing assistants to deliver 24-hour skilled care similar to what a hospital provides. These facilities are suitable for individuals who have multiple medical conditions or cannot live in a residential setting without extra help. Mississippi has just over 200 nursing homes, and nearly 16,000 individuals live in these facilities. Due to the level of care provided, nursing homes charge $7,057 to $7,148 per month for a semiprivate or private room. Average Mississippi rates are lower than the U.S. median, and many people receive help from Medicaid and other sources.
Families who want to learn more about their options will find information about the average cost of long-term care in this guide. It also includes details about financial assistance programs and local resources to help you take the next step.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Mississippi
In 2020, Mississippi nursing homes charged $700 less the U.S. median, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Skilled nursing in the state costs $7,057 per month, which is similar to nearby Tennessee. In Alabama, monthly rates are approximately $520 lower at $6,540. West of the Mississippi, skilled nursing facilities are even more affordable. Seniors in Arkansas pay $5,931, about $1,125 less per month, and Louisiana residents pay just $5,536, which represents a monthly saving of $1,520 compared to Mississippi and $2,220 when compared to the national average of $7,756.
Average nursing home prices in Mississippi vary by a relatively small margin of just $1,200 per month, and rates in all major cities are moderately lower than the U.S. median. Seniors in Meridian, affiliated with the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area, enjoy the lowest average rates at $6,235 per month. Prices are approximately $500 more affordable than the state average in Tupelo and $669 lower than average in Jackson, the state’s capital and largest city. Nursing home prices are $250 higher than the state median in Olive Branch near the Tennessee line. Rates are also higher than average in Hattiesburg and Gulfport, where seniors pay $7,376 and $7,499 per month, respectively.
Jackson
$6388
Hattiesburg
$7376
Gulfport
$7499
Tupelo
$6540
Meridian
$6235
Olive Branch
$7300
Skilled nursing is the most expensive form of long-term care in Mississippi, with an average cost of over $7,000 a month. This option is suitable for individuals with complex medical needs and requires a high level of around-the-clock support. Seniors who need occasional help with specific essential tasks and daily activities may be good candidates for assisted living, which costs approximately $3,700 per month, or in-home care, costing about $3,430 to $3,530 per month. Adult day health programs are another option. They provide limited care in a group setting at the cost of $1,354 per month. Fortunately, the average price of all services is lower than the U.S. average.
In-Home Care
$3432
Home Health Care
$3527
Adult Day Care
$1354
Assisted Living Facility
$3713
Nursing Home Care
$7057
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Mississippi?
More than 714,000 people in Mississippi are enrolled in Medicaid, which covers various types of long-term care, including nursing home care, for eligible individuals in the state. Nursing home care coverage includes room and board, as well as additional services provided by the long-term care facility’s team. Medicaid also covers office visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, and prescription drugs. As a result, this program offers both long-term care and health care that income-eligible seniors in Mississippi may need.
Mississippi is home to more than 200 nursing homes, and they all accept Medicaid. These facilities provide around-the-clock care, including medical care, for seniors. The Mississippi Office of Long-Term Care oversees the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program, which provides home-based and community resources to Medicaid-eligible seniors who would otherwise require long-term care. This program can provide necessary skilled nursing care to seniors who would prefer to live at home.
Medicaid Eligibility in Mississippi
To qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi, individuals must meet a number of eligibility requirements, including meeting income limits established by the state. In a one-person household or two-person household with only one person applying for Medicaid, the applicant must earn an income no greater than $32,904 per year and have no more than $4,000 in assets. In a two-person household with both individuals applying for Medicaid, the maximum monthly income is $65,808 with an $8,000 asset limit. The Spousal Impoverishment Act ensures that the spouse who is not Medicaid-eligible does not lose their assets. This act gives the spouse an asset limit of $148,620.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $4,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $4,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $6,000 |
* Except for a $44/mo. personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and possibly a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, all of a recipient's monthly income must be put toward the cost of nursing home care.
** Income limit is for applicant only.
*** Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
Additionally, individuals must meet other non-financial eligibility requirements to participate in Mississippi’s Medicaid program. Eligible applicants must:
- Be a resident of the United States
- Be a resident of Mississippi
- Be a legal immigrant
- Meet one of the following criteria: age 65 or older, responsible for a child under age 18, blind, or have a disability or a family member with a disability
How to Apply for Medicaid in Mississippi
Seniors have several ways to apply for Medicaid in Mississippi. Those with Internet access can apply online through the state’s ACCESS MS web portal. They can also choose to apply in person at one of 30 regional offices serving counties throughout the state. Applications can also be printed, completed and faxed to the Division of Medicaid at (601) 576-4164 or mailed to 550 East High Street, Suite 1000, Jackson, MS, 39201. To request an application by mail or have any questions answered, contact the Office of Eligibility at (800) 421-2408.
Information You Will Need
- Social Security number
- Document number (if a legal immigrant)
- Date of birth
- Recent pay stubs or W-2 to verify income
- Current health insurance policy numbers
- Job-related health insurance information if applicable
Additional Medicaid Support and Resources in Mississippi
The following list includes helpful resources for individuals in Mississippi interested in learning more about Medicaid and long-term care. These resources can provide support, answer questions and help you determine if a loved one is eligible for Medicaid.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Division on Medicaid | (800) 421-2408 | The Mississippi Division of Medicaid oversees the state's Medicaid program and ensures that eligible individuals can access quality health care. Contact this organization to learn more about available programs and determine eligibility for your loved one. |
| Central Mississippi Area Agency on Aging | (601) 981-1511 | The Central Mississippi Area Agency on Aging serves seniors aged 60 and older. This organization oversees the Information, Assistance and Referral Program that helps seniors and their families assess their care needs and find the right solution for these needs. Mississippi has 10 Area Agencies on Aging for every region. |
| American Council on Aging | Online only | The American Council on Aging helps families determine their loved one's Medicaid eligibility before applying. The organization's website includes helpful resources like state-specific Medicaid information, FAQs on Medicaid and long-term care, and detailed explanations on financial eligibility based on income and assets. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Mississippi?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
While Medicare won’t cover the costs of nursing home care in the long term, it can help families initially as they transition their loved one into around-the-clock care. Access these resources to help you navigate the process of finding long-term care, get your questions answered and ensure that you’re comfortable with the care being provided to the senior in your life.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (844) 822-4622 | Mississippi's State Health Insurance Program is administered by volunteers at the state's 10 Area Agencies on Aging. Volunteers help seniors and their families compare policies, organize paperwork, and manage claims and appeals. They can also answer any insurance questions the family may have. To contact this organization, reach out to the local Agency on Aging in your area. |
| Mississippi Insurance Department | (601) 359-3569 | Families just beginning their search for insurance options for seniors over age 65 can start at the Mississippi Insurance Department. This state-run department offers a wealth of information about health insurance options, including types of insurance, disclosure requirements and ways to purchase health insurance. |
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 | Medicare.gov is a federal website that serves as a valuable resource for all information about Medicare. You can learn about Medicare, evaluate its costs, and find health and drug plans for you. You can even live chat or call a representative to get all of your questions answered. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Mississippi
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Mississippi
There are many resources in Mississippi that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Area Agencies on Aging | Mississippi's Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors aged 60 and older with access to critical services, helping them maintain a high quality of life. They organize services such as congregate and home-delivered meals, legal assistance and advocacy. Specialists can refer seniors to other assistance programs they may qualify for and discuss long-term care options. AAAs also provide access to home and community-based programs, including case management, home care and respite care, and they coordinate transportation services and caregiver support programs. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Mississippi provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Mississippi resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Assisted Living Waiver | 800-421-2408 | The Assisted Living Waiver could help you avoid a nursing home and move into an assisted living facility instead. Depending on your needs, the waiver could provide you with homemaker services, daily living assistance, medication management, transportation and a range of other services. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Mississippi seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Food Network | 601-353-7286 | The Mississippi Food Network, headquartered in Jackson, hosts an Emergency Food Assistance Program that helps local seniors access free food that meets the nutritional requirements associated with aging. Donated food items are distributed via the food pantries, community kitchens and shelters of its many community-based partner organizations. At-risk seniors are eligible for a monthly shelf-stable package delivered through the network's Senior Grocery Program. Inquire online or by calling 601-353-7286. |
| Mississippi Meals on Wheels | Mississippi Meals on Wheels operates congregate meal sites and home-delivered meals throughout the state, ensuring that seniors ages 60 and over receive suitable nutrition. To be eligible, older adults must meet age requirements; the program is focused on those whose limited mobility makes shopping for groceries and preparing meals difficult. Meals are provided based on a sliding-fee scale that takes individual financial circumstances into account. Some community programs offer meals for those with special dietary needs and cultural or ethnic preferences. | |
| Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 800-948-3050 | The Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income seniors ages 60 and over obtain healthy food for balanced nutrition. Applicants must meet income guidelines before they're administered an electronic benefits transfer card. This card functions like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers' markets throughout the state as well as on websites that accept EBT. The card can only be used toward food, including bread, meat, fish and poultry, dairy products and produce. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Mississippi collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi START'S Device Reutilization Program | 800-852-8328 | Mississippi's Project S.T.A.R.T. refurbishes donated medical equipment and loans it to the state's disabled and chronically ill residents for free. Wheelchairs, folding ramps and bedside toilets are just a few examples of the types of equipment seniors can borrow for up to 90 days. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Mississippi have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Section 504 Home Repair Program | 601-965-4316 | The U.S.D.A. Home Repair Grant provides the state's seniors with financial assistance for making health and safety repairs to their homes. The maximum grant amount is $10,000. If the home is sold within 3 years, the loan has to be repaid. |
| Mississippi Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 800-421-0762 | The W.A.P. enables low-income residents to receive free energy efficiency upgrades, lowering their overall energy costs. Placing insulation in walls and floors, replacing ductwork and repairing furnaces are some of the program's typical services. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Mississippi bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services for Seniors | 800-948-3090 | As part of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Division of Aging and Adult Services helps seniors throughout the state in numerous ways, including offering financial assistance programs that can cover some or all of the cost of care. Seniors aged 60+ and their caregivers can seek answers and assistance by contacting one of the ten Area Agencies on Aging located in Mississippi and managed by DAAS. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Mississippi resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Elderly and Disabled Waiver | 800-421-2408 | The Elderly and Disabled Waiver provides in-home services according to care plans developed by the registered nurse and social worker assigned to each program participant. If you're approved for this waiver, you could receive: • Home delivered meals • In-home respite care • Assistance with personal hygiene • Home health visits • Physical or speech therapies |
| Mississippi Independent Living Waiver | 800-421-2408 | Medicaid's Independent Living Waiver is a Home and Community Based Services waiver. Its main services are case management and personal care assistance, but some seniors can also receive home accessibility modifications and medical equipment. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Mississippi help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Mississippi resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Homestead Exemption | 601-923-7618 | The Homestead Exemption saves seniors money on their property taxes. Those who qualify can exempt $7,500 of value from what it's been assessed. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Mississippi retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-421-0762 | L.I.H.E.A.P. can pay the balance of past due home energy bills, including those with disconnect notices. This program can help you if you're at risk of losing your heating or cooling during the year's hottest days. |
Veteran's Services
Mississippi retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi VA Benefits and Health Care | Mississippi VA Benefits and Health Care services include specialized assistance for senior veterans. For medical, seniors have a wide range of options at the Biloxi and Jackson medical centers, as well as several outpatient locations. Seniors over 65 and those with disabilities may qualify for additional pension funds to pay for in-home care services, such as home health aid costs and skilled nursing. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Mississippi
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Nursing homes, also called Institutions for the Aged or Infirm, are licensed by the Mississippi Department of Health, Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification. This agency licenses a variety of health care facilities and long-term care providers, including hospitals, and it certifies nursing homes that accept Medicare or Medicaid. |
| Staffing | Mississippi has strict staffing standards based on the size of the facility and its capacity. Nursing homes must employ sufficient staff to provide 2.8 hours of daily direct care to each resident. Staff must include a full-time RN seven days a week, and an RN or LPN charge nurse must supervise each shift. This person may also serve as the mediation/treatment nurse at certain times of the day. |
| Staff Training | Mississippi requires certified nurse aides to complete a 75-hour training program that includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical work experience. These standards are consistent with federal minimums established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. |
| Admission Restrictions | Nursing homes must not admit residents who require a higher level of care than what the facility is certified to provide. Facilities may care for ventilator-dependent patients. |
| Care Planning | New residents or their representatives must complete a written agreement prior to admission. Residents must complete a comprehensive physical exam, including a tuberculosis risk assessment, within 30 days of entry and annually every year thereafter. |
| Dietary and Nutrition Services | Nursing homes in Mississippi must provide at least three daily meals that comply with federal nutrition recommendations and account for each resident's unique dietary requirements. Menus must be posted at least a week in advance, and meals should be served on a convenient schedule. Facilities must accommodate special diets and meet other requirements. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Skilled nursing facilities must provide rehabilitative services, including occupational, speech and physical therapy, as directed by a physician or other qualified professional. Qualified therapists must provide such services. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Nursing homes must employ a licensed pharmacist who is responsible for keeping records and conducting other administrative duties. This professional must review each resident's medication protocol monthly. |
| Resident Activities | Mississippi requires nursing homes to employ a designated activities coordinator with appropriate training, work experience, or advisory support. Facilities must provide a variety of activities and entertainment options to accommodate residents' varied interests. They must have designated activity spaces with adequate supplies and equipment, and weather-appropriate outdoor pursuits should be scheduled when possible. |
| Infection Control | The state requires employees and residents to be evaluated for tuberculosis using an approved method. Facilities must comply with state and federal recommendations, including information from the CDC, to help prevent and manage this disease. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Mississippi Medicaid covers the cost of skilled nursing for qualified individuals. Residents must meet medical and financial criteria to qualify. Seniors and disabled adults who earn more than 135% of the Federal Poverty Level must require at least 31 days of continuous care. |
Facilities in Mississippi
Filters
0 Results
Sort By
What you can do with Caring
Counties
Find Options Near You
Speak with a Caring Family Advisor
By clicking "Get Started", I am providing express written consent to receive calls including automated/pre-recorded calls and automated texts for which I may incur a cost, as well as emails from Caring and its partners. I understand I am not obligated to provide this consent to utilize Caring’s service(s). I acknowledge I was able to review the Agreement to be Contacted, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.