Home › Mississippi › How-To Guide
Mississippi · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level / Mississippi Department of Human Services - MDHS, Division of Aging and Adult Services (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: Yes - mdhs.ms.gov/aging; dom.ms.gov; 211unitedway.org/local/ms WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center or nutrition site; 2-1-1 Mississippi; MDHS office
Online Option
Yes - mdhs.ms.gov/aging; dom.ms.gov; 211unitedway.org/local/ms
Where to Go
Your regional AAA; local senior center or nutrition site; 2-1-1 Mississippi; MDHS office
County-specific variations apply

Mississippi's 10 AAAs serve different geographic regions. Jackson/Hinds County, Gulfport/Harrison County, and other metro areas have more extensive local services. Rural Mississippi (Delta region, Black Belt counties) may have more limited local infrastructure and longer travel distances. Contact your specific regional AAA for local program availability.

Mississippi Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Mississippi SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free Medicare counseling through MDHS and AAAs - contact your regional AAA or call (800) 948-3090; assists with Medicare plan selection, appeals, and prescription drug costs.
  • HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION TIER 2 (seniors 65+ or totally disabled): first $7,500 of assessed value completely exempt from all ad valorem taxes; dramatically reduces or eliminates property taxes for most qualifying Mississippi seniors; apply with County Tax Assessor.
  • PROGRAM OF ALL-INCLUSIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY (PACE): available in some Mississippi regions; comprehensive managed care for nursing-eligible seniors allowing continued home residence; contact DOM at dom.ms.gov.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through MDHS APS - (800) 222-8000 (24-hour statewide APS hotline).
  • Mississippi Center for Legal Services: free civil legal assistance for low-income Mississippians including seniors - (800) 959-6752.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Mississippi MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services - mdhs.ms.gov/aging | (601) 359-4929 | 1-800-948-3090; SHIP Medicare: (800) 948-3090; APS: (800) 222-8000; 2-1-1 Mississippi: dial 211