Elder Care Index

What It Costs Across Mississippi

Mississippi is known for its relatively affordable cost of living, which extends to assisted living care. While the statewide median is around $3,500 per month, current estimates for assisted living communities in Mississippi generally range between $4,300 and $5,300 per month, with a typical planning estimate of around $4,800 monthly. This is lower than the national average, partly due to more modest operating expenses and lower real estate costs within the state.

Prices can vary significantly depending on where you look. Larger cities like Jackson tend to be the most expensive, with estimated median costs around $5,520 per month. Gulfport, while also a major city, might offer slightly lower estimated median pricing at approximately $5,280 per month. Smaller cities and more rural areas often present more affordable options, depending on local housing markets and the availability of facilities. For example, Hattiesburg has an estimated median cost of around $4,800 per month, and Biloxi averages about $4,420 per month.

Will Medicaid Help Pay?

Yes, Mississippi offers assistance through the Assisted Living (AL) Waiver, a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver. This program is designed to help seniors and adults with disabilities who are at risk of nursing home admission to instead receive care in an assisted living facility. The AL Waiver covers services like personal care, homemaker tasks, medication oversight, intermittent skilled nursing, and transportation, provided within a licensed Personal Care Home-Assisted Living (PCH-AL) facility that is a Medicaid provider.

It's crucial to understand that the waiver does not cover the cost of room and board. Eligibility requires you to be a Mississippi resident, aged 21 or older (if disabled) or 65 and older, and need a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). Financial eligibility for 2025 limits a single applicant's income to $2,901 per month and countable assets to $4,000. For married couples where only one spouse is applying, the non-applicant spouse may retain more assets and income. The AL Waiver is not an entitlement, meaning there are a limited number of slots, and a waiting list is common, varying from a few months to a few years depending on your region.

How to Find a Good Facility

In Mississippi, assisted living facilities are licensed as Personal Care Home-Assisted Living (PCH-AL) facilities by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), specifically its Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification. This agency is responsible for ensuring facilities meet state standards through routine surveys and monitoring complaints.

When searching for a facility, ensure it is licensed by the MSDH and can meet your loved one's specific needs, including personal care assistance and medication management. The MSDH offers a "Health Facilities Directory" on its website where you can find licensed facilities. While inspection records for nursing homes are readily available online, for specific assisted living inspection reports or complaint histories, it's best to directly contact the Mississippi State Department of Health. If you need to file a complaint or have concerns, you can reach the Health Facility Complaint Hotline at 1-800-227-7308.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.