Bill > SB2681

This bill directs the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to seek a federal waiver, specifically under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to allow children up to 18 years old to receive immediate Medicaid benefits for mental health or substance use disorder services during a "presumptive eligibility period." Presumptive eligibility means that a child can start receiving these specific services based on preliminary information suggesting they need them, even before their full Medicaid eligibility is officially confirmed, allowing for quicker access to care. This period begins when a qualified entity, such as a Medicaid provider approved by the state, determines a child might be eligible and ends when a final eligibility decision is made or if the child doesn't formally apply for Medicaid by the end of the following month. The qualified entity must notify the Division of Medicaid of the presumptive eligibility determination within five working days and inform the child that a formal application is required. The Division of Medicaid is required to submit its waiver application to the federal government by October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2681.xml