Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mississippi Health Benefits?
Through Mississippi Health Benefits, there are two health insurance options that cover children: the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid. CHIP is a free/low cost private health plan for children in families meeting family size/income requirements. This program covers eligible children to their 19th birthday. Mississippi Medicaid is a health care program that helps pay for medical services for low-income people. For those eligible for full Medicaid services, Medicaid is paid to providers of health care. Providers are doctors, hospitals and pharmacists who take Medicaid.
How do I enroll or reenroll in Medicaid or children CHIP?
Applications for Mississippi Health Benefits are available by mail and at many locations that serve children’s needs like your Medicaid Regional Offices, local health departments, community health centers, rural health clinics, Head Start centers, public schools, and some hospitals and private clinics. Families are urged to apply to see if their children are eligible for either program. If you have any questions or need assistance with this process you can call Health Help at 1-877-314-3843.
What do I do if my child’s health benefits have lapsed?
If you child’s benefits have lapsed please call Health Help at 1-877-314-3843. We will counsel you on what you need and where to go to renew your child’s benefits.
Where should I go to enroll myself or family in Medicaid or CHIP?
You must apply for Medicaid or CHIP in person at any Regional Office, outstation site. Call Health Help at 1-877-314-3843 to get assistance in finding the nearest Medicaid office or outstation.
Does your organization assist residents to file appeals or complaints regarding private health insurance?
Yes! Please call Health Help at 1-877-314-3843 for private insurance assistance (i.e., coverage for children w/pre-existing conditions, coverage for children up to age 26)
Under the Affordable Care Act, how long can my children stay on my insurance?
If your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. Until now, health plans could remove enrolled children usually at age 19, sometimes older for full-time students. Now, most health plans that cover children must make coverage available to children up to age 26. Your adult children can join or remain on your plan whether or not they are:
- married;
- living with you;
- in school;
- financially dependent on you;
- Eligible to enroll in their employer’s plan, with one temporary exception: Until 2014, “grandfathered” group plans do not have to offer dependent coverage up to age 26 if a young adult is eligible for group coverage outside their parents’ plan.
May I apply for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan if I have existing health coverage?
You are not eligible unless you have been without health coverage for at least the last six months. For example, if you have Medicare or TRICARE, you shouldn’t apply. If you are uninsured and have been told that you may be eligible for other coverage programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, you should check out those programs first, as they may better meet your needs. If you have job-based coverage, or individual insurance coverage, you aren’t eligible to apply.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is a condition, disability or illness (either physical or mental) that you have before you enrolled in a health plan. Call Health Help at 1-877-314-3843 to get assistance in finding a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.