Mississippi House Bill HB966

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Medicaid; bring forward certain sections of the law.

Impact

The proposed amendments and continuations of existing laws will affect how various health services are administered to Medicaid recipients in Mississippi. By bringing these sections forward for potential revision, the bill could enable updates to the evolving healthcare environment and how state Medicaid resources are allocated. Additionally, the bill could normalize processes surrounding hospital assessments and reimbursement for hospitals serving low-income patients, helping to maximize federal funds to support these initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 966 aims to bring forward several sections of the Mississippi Medicaid Law for possible amendment. These sections include definitions, applications for medical assistance, and specifics about managed care programs, among others. The bill emphasizes maintaining a statewide system of medical assistance that aligns with federal guidelines, ensuring that state funding is complemented by federal matching funds. It is highlighted that the administration of these programs falls under the purview of the Governor’s Office and the Division of Medicaid.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the management and oversight of Medicaid services, particularly as the state seeks to incorporate more stringent controls within managed care programs. Concerns could arise over access to care for recipients resulting from stricter utilization review processes and prior authorization requirements. Stakeholders may debate the efficiencies of administered health services versus patient access rights, especially when measures intended to control costs appear to limit care options.