Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1292

Introduced

1/20/25

Refer

1/20/25

Failed

2/4/25

Caption

Medicaid; division shall seek waiver to allow coverage for additional eyeglasses within 5-year period for adults whose refraction has changed.

Impact

If enacted, this bill stands to significantly impact state Medicaid laws by expanding coverage options for eye care services. Currently, Medicaid beneficiaries are limited in the frequency with which they can receive eyeglasses. Allowing an additional pair within five years aims to respond to the changing needs of vision correction in adults, thus potentially improving overall patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Such a change could also align Mississippi's Medicaid program more closely with best practices observed in other states that offer similar provisions, promoting better eye health management.

Summary

House Bill 1292 proposes an amendment to Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which directs the Division of Medicaid to apply for a federal waiver that would allow coverage for an additional pair of eyeglasses for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 21 years and older within a five-year period. The bill specifically targets individuals whose eye prescription has changed, as determined by an eye care professional, thereby facilitating better vision correction for eligible beneficiaries. This initiative underscores a commitment to enhance vision care within the Medicaid framework.

Contention

While the bill appears to have considerable support due to its health-focused nature, potential points of contention may arise regarding the funding and resources required to implement this change within the Medicaid program. Concerns may include the long-term fiscal impact on the state's budget and whether state appropriations would suffice to cover the additional costs associated with this expansion of services. Stakeholders will likely scrutinize the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed measures, particularly in assessing the state’s ability to fund such initiatives sustainably.