Mississippi House Bill HB251

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/23
• Refer: 1/5/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Medicaid; restrict frequency of managed care organizations transferring enrollees to other organizations.

Impact

If enacted, HB251 is poised to significantly impact how managed care systems operate in Mississippi. By limiting the frequency of beneficiary transfers, it could enhance patient satisfaction and improve health outcomes, as patients may feel more secure with a familiar provider. Conversely, MCOs might face challenges in managing costs and efficiency, as the restricted transferability could lead to difficulties in reallocating resources or addressing changing patient needs over time. The amendment aims to foster a more patient-centered approach in Medicaid, focusing on minimizing disruptions that can occur with frequent provider changes.

Summary

House Bill 251 seeks to amend Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code to restrict managed care organizations (MCOs) from transferring Medicaid beneficiaries to another MCO or to a fee-for-service provider more than once within a twelve-month period, unless there is a significant medical reason deemed necessary by the Division of Medicaid. This bill is aimed at improving the stability and consistency of care for Medicaid enrollees, allowing them to build ongoing relationships with their healthcare providers while reducing disruptions in their care delivery. The proposal reflects an increasing emphasis on ensuring that beneficiaries receive appropriate and uninterrupted medical care in alignment with their health needs.

Contention

While supporters of HB251 argue that the measure is essential for safeguarding the continuity of care and ensuring that beneficiaries receive appropriate treatment, critics may contend that it could hinder operational flexibility for MCOs. Opponents fear the bill might restrict the ability of health providers to react swiftly to cases where a transfer may indeed be necessary for the patient's well-being. Legislative discussion surrounding this bill has surfaced concerns about how such implementation might balance patient protection with the administrative realities faced by Medicaid providers.