How to Apply for Mississippi Medicaid
Updated August 2026
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) accepts applications through its website, by phone, and in person at regional offices. Per DOM's "How to Apply" page, the application covers children, pregnant women, low-income parents of children under 18, and other qualifying household members.
Presumptive eligibility for pregnant women — coverage can begin the same day you visit a qualified provider
Mississippi participates in presumptive eligibility for pregnant women. Qualified entities — certain hospitals and clinics — can determine temporary Medicaid eligibility on the spot so that prenatal care can start immediately. Ask your OB or clinic whether they are a DOM-qualified entity for presumptive eligibility. Coverage under presumptive eligibility runs until DOM processes the full application. Per medicaid.ms.gov, application forms are available at any DOM regional office.
How to apply for Mississippi Medicaid
- Online — Access.ms.gov: Apply through Mississippi's Common Web Portal at access.ms.gov, linked from medicaid.ms.gov. The portal also lets you renew benefits, view notices, upload documents, and check your application status (account required). You can separately check eligibility status and manage your case through the MESA member portal.
- By phone: Call 1-800-421-2408 (toll-free) or 601-359-6050 to speak with a DOM representative, ask eligibility questions, or get help finding your regional office. Staff can guide you through the application and document requirements.
- In person — DOM regional office: Mississippi has 30 regional offices covering all 82 counties. Walk-in applications are accepted during business hours. Staff can verify documents in person. Find your regional office at medicaid.ms.gov/about/office-locations/.
- MESA member portal: Enrolled members can check eligibility, find providers, and manage their case through the MESA portal at portal.ms-medicaid-mesa.com. The portal is also the tool for reporting changes in income or household size.
What you need to apply
DOM verifies identity, Mississippi residency, income, household composition, and citizenship or immigration status. The documents below apply to most applicants.
- Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
- Social Security numbers for all applicants
- Proof of Mississippi residency — utility bill, lease, bank statement, or official mail
- Income verification — recent pay stubs, employer statement, or tax return if self-employed
- For parents/caretaker relatives: documentation showing children's presence in the household
- For pregnant women: medical documentation of pregnancy from a provider
- Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants
- For nursing home or HCBS waiver applications: medical records and physician statement required
How long does a Mississippi Medicaid application take?
Under 42 CFR 435.912, Mississippi must process most MAGI-based applications (children, pregnant women, parents) within 45 days. Applications for aged, blind, and disabled categories — which involve non-MAGI financial review and functional assessments — may take up to 90 days.
Coverage usually begins the first of the month you applied, if approved. Pregnant women may request retroactive coverage up to three months before the application date.
DOM sends correspondence by mail to the address on file. Keep your address current — missing a notice is a common reason coverage lapses at renewal. Report address changes through the MESA portal or by calling 1-800-421-2408.
Mississippi Medicaid
Visit the official Mississippi Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →