Medicaid; require Governor and Division of Medicaid to negotiate to obtain federal waiver to expand Medicaid coverage.
If successful, this bill could significantly alter the landscape of healthcare access in Mississippi. By expanding Medicaid coverage, it would not only provide health insurance to a larger group of lower-income adults but also aim to address health disparities within the state. The bill stipulates the establishment of a Mississippi Healthy Living Account, requiring eligible individuals to make income-based contributions to health savings accounts, aimed at covering copays and meeting cost-sharing requirements. Further, it includes a provision that could affect the eligibility of traditional Medicaid recipients, shifting many to the expanded framework.
House Bill 128 directs the Governor and the Division of Medicaid in Mississippi to negotiate with the federal government for a waiver that would allow the expansion of Medicaid coverage. The proposed plan includes providing private market-based health coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), particularly targeting those in working families who do not have access to affordable health coverage through their employers. The bill outlines the structure for coverage, which includes offering at least two qualified health plans (QHPs) and implementing cost-sharing arrangements for certain income brackets.
The plan's negotiation process involves obtaining specific waivers under Section 1115 of the federal Social Security Act, which may be met with various political and regulatory challenges. There are concerns regarding the sustainability of funding if the federal contribution rate drops below 90%. Additionally, the implementation of a cost-sharing system could raise questions about accessibility for some individuals, thereby igniting debates on whether such a model effectively meets the needs of those it aims to serve.