State Policy · MS
Mississippi Exchange Premiums Rise as State Remains Without Medicaid Expansion
Health insurance premiums on Mississippi's federally-facilitated marketplace continue to increase while the state has not expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income workers above the poverty line face higher out-of-pocket costs for exchange coverage, while those below 100% of the federal poverty level remain ineligible for both exchange subsidies and Medicaid. The coverage gap affects Mississippi residents who would qualify for Medicaid in expansion states but have no affordable coverage option in Mississippi. Mississippi is one of ten states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion as of 2026.
Why it mattersMississippi's non-expansion status and rising exchange premiums highlight ongoing market instability that affects potential Medicaid managed care enrollment if the state eventually expands, and demonstrates the coverage gap dynamics that influence health plan market strategy in non-expansion states.