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Mississippi is known to be a little lacking when it comes to the healthcare department. A combination of various factors, from unhealthy lifestyles to poor policies, has left the state with a number of gaping holes in its healthcare infrastructure. However, not all areas are bad, and cities like Tupelo are known to have relatively good healthcare options. 

In today’s article, we will explore the different healthcare options in the city and understand the insurance situation, which can both be important to keep in mind if you are planning to move here.

What Are the Good Hospitals in the Tupelo Region?

Tupelo, unlike other areas in Mississippi, does not suffer from the severe lack of quality healthcare options that plagues the rest of the mostly rural state. 

When serious help is needed, Tupelo residents are best served by the North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC). This is the largest hospital in the city and the entire state. 

With 650 beds, it is an acute care facility that serves over 700,000 people. This makes it one of the most important health centers in the state. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t that many great options besides the NMMC. Mississippi is going through a crisis when it comes to its rural hospitals. Many of them frequently shut down due to staffing shortages, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic when doctors and nurses quit en masse due to burnout.  

Despite the pandemic subsiding in 2023, the situation hasn’t changed for the better, and even the healthcare facilities that are open are not doing that great.

When it comes to mental health needs, it is even bleaker. The only main options are the North Mississippi State Hospital and the Oceans Behavioral Hospital. There are a few psychiatric clinics scattered here and there, but if you are looking for therapy, you might need to book online appointments via video calls with therapists out of state. 

What About Health Insurance in Tupelo?

When it comes to health insurance, you have a few options. If you are employed, it is likely that your employer will provide you with insurance options. However, if you happen to be a freelancer or run your own business, you will probably need to purchase your own health insurance options. 

Unfortunately, Medicaid is locked away to lower income groups, meaning you’ll need to meet its rather strict eligibility guidelines. 

Thankfully, due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is possible to find affordable health insurance in Tupelo, MS. The ACA helped make healthcare more affordable to many in the state who would otherwise have to pay high premiums due to most insurance companies choosing to fleece residents rather than help them.  

One of the benefits that the Affordable Care Act brings is the easy eligibility requirements. Under the ACA, one only needs to be a U.S. citizen, live in the U.S., and not be incarcerated. Pretty simple, indeed!  

This and other factors have allowed insurance and financial groups like Agape to provide more sensible options for those worried about health insurance costs. 

Agape’s focus on helping Mississippi residents is evident in testimonials from several people in the Tupelo region who are grateful for the affordable pricing, particularly under their Under 65 health insurance plans. 

Staying Healthy in Tupelo

If you are planning to move to Tupelo, it would be wise to keep in mind the same aspects as you would when moving to most other areas in the state. You want to pay extra attention to the kind of food you eat. Mississippi is known for being one of the worst in the country when it comes to the health of its residents.

It can be tempting to indulge in a greasy hamburger, given that Tupelo is home to some of the best restaurants. However, remember that your healthcare options are limited here. Cooking your own food from fresh and locally grown produce sold at places like the Tupelo Farmers Market would be a great option if you want to be extra health conscious.

Key Takeaways

While healthcare options in Mississippi are underwhelming when compared to other parts of the country, facilities like the NMMC provide some hope for residents with their quality care. 

Additionally, the few insurance companies that offer affordable options can make some of the healthcare concerns less worrisome. However, for those requiring therapy and other mental health services, online sessions are probably going to be your best bet.