Mississippi House Bill HB925

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Medicaid; suspend eligibility of incarcerated persons instead of terminating it.

Impact

If enacted, HB925 is expected to streamline the transition for formerly incarcerated individuals returning to society. By allowing individuals to retain their Medicaid eligibility, supporters of the bill argue that it will improve public health outcomes and reduce the barriers for individuals who require medical care after serving time. This approach can particularly benefit those with chronic health conditions who may need continuous treatment and support, thereby potentially lowering the healthcare costs for the state in the long run.

Summary

House Bill 925 aims to amend the eligibility criteria for Medicaid under Section 43-13-115 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The primary focus of the bill is on individuals who were eligible for Medicaid assistance immediately before their incarceration. Instead of terminating their Medicaid eligibility upon admission to a detention facility or correctional institution, the bill stipulates that their eligibility will be suspended. This means that they will not lose access to Medicaid benefits due to their incarceration, which can have significant implications for their healthcare upon release.

Contention

There may be significant discussions around this bill regarding the balance between public health policy and concerns about entitlement programs. Proponents believe that maintaining Medicaid eligibility will help reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals into society more successfully. However, opponents may argue about the implications for public spending and whether it creates an additional burden on state resources. The bill represents a shift towards a more rehabilitative approach to healthcare for incarcerated individuals and could prompt further debate on Medicaid access for other populations.