Bill > HB256

This bill directs the Governor and the Division of Medicaid in Mississippi to negotiate with the federal government, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to obtain a Section 1115 waiver. This waiver would allow Mississippi to expand Medicaid coverage by creating a plan that provides private market-based health coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), including those in working families who lack affordable employer-sponsored insurance. The proposed plan includes offering at least two Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) to newly eligible adults, requiring cost-sharing contributions to health savings accounts (Mississippi Healthy Living Account) for those with incomes between 50% and 138% of the FPL, with potential reductions for healthy behaviors, and ensuring that enrollees cannot lose eligibility or access to services due to failure to pay copays or premiums. The coverage would extend to adults aged 19-64 without dependent children and parents within specific income brackets, with a provision for transitioning existing Medicaid parents to the new plan. Premiums for these QHPs would be paid by the state using Medicaid funds, and enrollees would choose from silver-level marketplace QHPs, with automatic assignment if no choice is made. The plan also outlines specific cost-sharing caps based on income and a "Fast-Track" enrollment process. If the waiver is obtained, the Division of Medicaid will amend the state plan and begin implementation, with the coverage automatically ending if the federal contribution rate drops below 90%. Additionally, the bill amends Section 43-13-115 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to include individuals eligible under this new Section 1115 waiver as recipients of Medicaid. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0256.xml