Medicaid; seek federal waiver for plan to allow Medicaid coverage for persons described in the federal Affordable Care Act.
If passed, the HMW program would align Mississippi's Medicaid program with broader federal mandates aimed at improving healthcare access. The bill outlines specific provisions regarding eligibility, benefit packages, copayments for non-emergency ER visits, and funding mechanisms for the program. Additionally, the proposed assessment on managed care organizations and hospitals is designed to support the financial viability of the expanded coverage and ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries receive coordinated care through managed care organizations (MCOs).
House Bill 1725, known as the Healthy Mississippi Works (HMW) Act, aims to expand Medicaid coverage in Mississippi by seeking a waiver from the federal government under the Affordable Care Act. The bill targets individuals aged 19 to 64 with incomes not exceeding 138% of the federal poverty level. One of the notable features of the bill is its focus on incentivizing employment by requiring enrollees to work at least twenty hours a week in positions lacking employer-sponsored health insurance or to be enrolled as full-time students or in workforce training programs.
Discussions surrounding HB1725 were characterized by mixed sentiments. Proponents, including several legislators and healthcare advocates, see the bill as a crucial step toward reducing the number of uninsured individuals in the state and enhancing healthcare access for low-income residents. Critics, however, express concerns over the feasibility of the employment requirements and the potential administrative burden on both the state and individuals applying for Medicaid. There is also apprehension regarding the sustainability of the funding sources proposed in the bill.
Key points of contention include the employment mandate for beneficiaries, which some argue could limit access for those who may not be able to work due to various reasons, including caregiving responsibilities or health issues. Critics are also wary of the exclusion of individuals who voluntarily disenroll from existing insurance coverage for twelve months. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if federal matching funds drop below 90%, the program could be terminated, thereby placing its long-term viability at risk and raising concerns about what would happen to enrollees at such a time.