Mississippi House Bill HB454

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/5/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Medicaid; increase reimbursement rate for providers of assisted living services.

Impact

The primary impact of HB454 is expected to improve financial support for assisted living providers which, in turn, could enhance care quality for Medicaid recipients. By increasing reimbursement rates, these facilities may better manage operational costs and ensure that adequate care is provided. The legislative discussions surrounding this bill highlighted a crucial need for better funding mechanisms to support the growing population of elderly individuals requiring assisted living services. The enhancement in reimbursement is seen as a step forward in aligning state funding with the rising costs of care.

Summary

House Bill 454 proposes amendments to Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically targeting the reimbursement rates for providers of assisted living services under the Medicaid program. The bill articulates a commitment to increase the daily reimbursement rate to a minimum of $108 for each resident, starting from July 1, 2022. This change is aimed at supporting assisted living facilities, which provide essential care for elderly residents and individuals requiring additional assistance in a residential setting.

Contention

Despite broad support for the bill, concerns were expressed regarding its impact on the overall budget of the Medicaid program. Critics have raised alarms about the sustainability of increasing reimbursement rates without corresponding increases in state revenue or efficient reallocations of existing funds. There is apprehension that these changes might place additional strain on the Medicaid budget, necessitating discussions about potential cuts in other areas or reevaluation of Medicaid expenditures in the future. The debate continues around balancing the needs of assisted living providers with fiscal responsibility to ensure the Medicaid program remains solvent.