Bill > HB132

This bill expands Medicaid eligibility in Mississippi by adding a new category of recipients under paragraph (29) of Section 43-13-115. Specifically, the bill allows individuals under 65 years old who are not pregnant, not enrolled in Medicare, and not already eligible for Medicaid through other provisions to qualify for Medicaid if their income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. These newly eligible individuals will receive "benchmark" or "benchmark equivalent" health coverage as defined by federal law. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) originally encouraged states to expand Medicaid coverage to this population, and this bill represents Mississippi's implementation of that expansion. The new eligibility category will be administered by the Division of Medicaid, which will determine individual eligibility and provide coverage starting July 1, 2025. This expansion aims to provide health insurance to low-income adults who previously did not qualify for Medicaid, potentially improving access to healthcare for thousands of Mississippi residents.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0132.xml