Mississippi SHIP - Summary The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the state's aging population. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has a longstanding tradition of providing essential education and one-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Through our previous funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), MDHS has successfully expanded outreach efforts to raise awareness and improve understanding of Medicare among older adults in Mississippi. This funding has enabled us to develop comprehensive training programs, informational resources, and community workshops that equip beneficiaries with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage and benefits. As of the latest U.S. Census, Mississippi has a population of 2,940,450, with 17.3% (approximately 509,000 individuals) aged 65 and older. Alarmingly, 13.8% of this demographic lives in poverty—one of the highest rates in the nation. Additionally, 19.2% of the overall population resides below the poverty line, impacting sixty-five counties across the state. This situation results in significant challenges for older adults, including inadequate access to nutrition, housing, healthcare, transportation, and employment opportunities. These statistics reflect a profound reality for many older adults in Mississippi, who face significant challenges that hinder their access to essential resources. Factors such as inadequate access to nutrition, housing instability, limited healthcare options, transportation barriers, and lack of employment opportunities contribute to negative social determinants of health for many seniors. In this context, our state plan is designed to enhance accessibility to one-on-one assistance and educational resources for Medicare beneficiaries to empower them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare options.
