Appropriations; UMMC to conduct review and prepare report about health care services available to Medicaid recipients with rare diseases.
The review mandated by HB 1870 will focus on several key areas, including the adequacy of current healthcare services for Medicaid recipients and whether the Division of Medicaid should increase the access to additional medications or treatments. Additionally, it aims to assess the training of emergency medical services providers who care for individuals experiencing rare disease crises. By examining the existing reimbursement methodologies, the bill looks to uncover potential barriers that might limit access to necessary care. The results of this review are expected to inform legislative and administrative decisions regarding Medicaid policies.
House Bill 1870 aims to address the healthcare needs of Medicaid recipients with a diagnosis of a rare disease by making a financial appropriation to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The bill allocates $250,000 for the fiscal year 2025 for the medical center to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing medications, treatments, and healthcare services available to these patients. The intent is to ensure that these services adequately meet the needs of individuals with rare diseases and to identify any access barriers that may be present.
While the bill has significant support regarding its intention to improve care for patients with rare diseases, points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's review process. Stakeholders could debate whether the proposed funding is sufficient to cover the extensive needs of rare disease patients and whether the bill adequately addresses all the prevalent issues within Medicaid regarding service delivery. Furthermore, the potential impact of any identified barriers on patient outcomes could lead to discussions about further legislative measures that may be necessary to rectify these shortcomings.