Loading...
Free personalized senior living guidance for families
(858) 283-4504Loading...
Mississippi · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
When money is tight and the cost of senior care feels impossible, it's easy to lose hope. Please don't. Mississippi has free programs built for older adults who live on Social Security, a small pension, or almost nothing at all.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-844-822-4622This is Mississippi's one-stop help line for older adults and people with disabilities. It's also the state's free Medicare counseling program (SHIP). One call covers Medicare, Medicaid questions, home care, and more.
This page is for people who qualify only for Medicare or Medicaid and can't afford private senior living. Everything here is free or low-cost, run by the state or a trusted nonprofit.
You don't need to sort it all out today. One phone call is a strong start, and the person who answers is there to help you.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather get help at home than move into a facility. Mississippi has programs for that.
Apply for the E&D Waiver directly through the Division of Medicaid.
Get free help applying for the E&D Waiver, or ask about home and community services through your Area Agency on Aging.
Mississippi Medicaid, run by the state's Division of Medicaid, covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, nursing home care, and long-term help at home for those who qualify.
Long-term care: Mississippi Medicaid pays for nursing home care and, through the Elderly & Disabled (E&D) Waiver (see below), for services that let you stay in your own home instead.
Eligibility: Medicaid for seniors looks at your income and assets, with special rules for married couples. Older adults may qualify through programs like SSI-related Medicaid or the "Aged, Blind, and Disabled" category. These limits change every year, so don't assume you make too much — call the Division of Medicaid at 1-800-421-2408 and let them check.
Call to apply, or visit a regional Medicaid office — find yours at medicaid.ms.gov.
Get free help applying for Mississippi Medicaid.
If you're on Medicare
If Medicare feels expensive, help is available.
Apply through the Division of Medicaid. A SHIP counselor can help you apply.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
Mississippi's free Medicare counseling program is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run through the Mississippi Department of Human Services' Division of Aging and Adult Services. Trained counselors help you compare Medicare plans, understand your bills, sign up for cost-saving programs, and fix problems — all free, and they never sell anything.
Call and ask for SHIP for free Medicare counseling.
Everyday essentials
SNAP (food stamps)
Apply through the Mississippi Department of Human Services or your local county office. Many seniors qualify.
Arranged through your Area Agency on Aging — call the MAC Center.
Dial 211 to find one near you.
Affordable & senior housing (Mississippi Home Corporation)
Contact the Mississippi Home Corporation, your local housing authority, or call 211.
Help with heating and cooling bills — call the MAC Center or dial 211.
Dial 211 any time.
Guidance & protection
Mississippi has 10 Area Agencies on Aging that arrange local help — home care, meals, transportation, and caregiver support. The easiest way to reach yours is through the MAC Center at 1-844-822-4622 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Tell them your county and they'll connect you.
Tell them your county and they'll connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging.
Free legal help for the northern 39 counties, with a special Elder Law Project for residents age 60 and older.
Mississippi Center for Legal Services (Southern Mississippi)
Serves the southern counties — find contact details and apply at mslegalservices.org.
For elder abuse or exploitation.
If someone lives in a nursing home or care facility and something feels wrong, a free advocate called an ombudsman will step in for them.
Services are free and confidential.
Free, 24/7, connects you to local help of every kind.
Points you to senior services in your area.
Call the MAC Center at 1-844-822-4622. Explain what's happening in plain words. They'll help you understand Medicare, Medicaid, and local senior services.
Call for free1-844-822-4622It's the state's Medicaid program, run by the Division of Medicaid. For low-income seniors, it can cover doctors, prescriptions, nursing home care, and help at home.
No. Regular Medicare doesn't cover assisted living or long-term custodial care. The E&D Waiver through Mississippi Medicaid is what can help with home-based long-term care.
Yes. These programs are made for people with limited income. Start with the MAC Center at 1-844-822-4622.
Yes — the Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium (about $185/month) and sometimes more. Apply through the Division of Medicaid or ask a SHIP counselor.
Most people prefer home, and the E&D Waiver helps make that possible. If more care is needed, Medicaid can help with a nursing home too. The MAC Center can help you weigh it.
Yes. SHIP counselors and the MAC Center do exactly that, for free. Call 1-844-822-4622.
Asking for help is not a weakness — it's how you take care of the people you love. Mississippi built these programs for families just like yours. Make one call today and let someone help carry the load.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.