Mississippi Senate Bill SB2209

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Medicaid program; revise reimbursement for telehealth services for community health centers.

Impact

The enactment of SB2209 has significant implications for the healthcare delivery landscape in Mississippi, particularly for community health centers that rely on telehealth as a critical service delivery method. By ensuring that telehealth services receive the same reimbursement as traditional in-person services, the bill could reduce barriers to care for patients who might otherwise struggle to access healthcare services. This change may support a more equitable healthcare system, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 2209 proposes amendments to Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code to enhance Medicaid reimbursements for telehealth services provided by federally qualified health centers and community health centers. The bill stipulates that the distant or hub site provider will receive the applicable Medicaid fee for these telehealth services. Furthermore, it establishes that such telehealth services will be billable at the same rate as face-to-face encounters commonly utilized for Medicaid reimbursements under the prospective payment system.

Contention

While the bill has received favorable support for its potential to expand healthcare access, there may be points of contention regarding the sustainability of increased reimbursements and how these changes affect overall Medicaid funding. Stakeholders may raise concerns about ensuring that quality standards for telehealth are met and the implications of increasing telehealth service availability on existing healthcare provider resources and capabilities. The legislative discussion around this bill may reflect broader debates on the role of technology in healthcare and its intersection with public funding.