Bill > HB513

This bill amends Mississippi's Medicaid reimbursement law to provide an increased reimbursement rate for hospitals located in counties experiencing high unemployment and critical healthcare worker shortages. Specifically, the bill requires the Division of Medicaid to provide a reimbursement rate for inpatient hospital services that is at least 80% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for hospitals in counties that meet two key criteria: (1) had an average monthly unemployment rate of 8% or higher for the previous state fiscal year, as determined by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, and (2) have a critical shortage of physicians and nurses, as verified by a committee composed of representatives from the Mississippi Hospital Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, Mississippi Primary Care Association, and the chairs of the House and Senate Medicaid Committees. The increased reimbursement rate must be implemented by September 1, 2025, and will be adjusted annually thereafter. The purpose of this bill is to provide financial support to hospitals in economically distressed areas with significant healthcare workforce challenges, potentially helping to maintain and improve healthcare access in these regions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0513.xml