AN ACT TO BE KNOWN AS THE MISSISSIPPI HEALTH CARE SECURITY AND PROMOTION ACT OF 2026; TO EXPRESS THE INTENT OF THE LEGISLATURE REGARDING EXPANSION OF THE MEDICAID PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY EXPANSION OF THE MEDICAID PROGRAM AND ITS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA OR COVERED BENEFITS SHALL FALL INTO THE CATEGORIES OUTLINED IN THIS ACT AND BE DEFINED BY THE SECTIONS OF THIS ACT; TO DIRECT THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID TO SUBMIT TO THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS) AN APPLICATION FOR A WAIVER OR STATE PLAN AMENDMENT THAT WILL ALLOW THE DIVISION TO EXPAND COVERAGE TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS AT OR BELOW 100% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL; TO DIRECT THE DIVISION TO SUBMIT TO CMS A REQUEST FOR A SECTION 1115 WAIVER THAT WILL ALLOW THE DIVISION TO EXPAND COVERAGE TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE UNINSURED AND WHOSE INCOME IS NOT LESS THAN 101% OR MORE THAN 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL; TO PROVIDE THAT UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS WITH TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF NOT LESS THAN 101% OR MORE THAN 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPANDED COVERAGE THROUGH AN INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIED HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN; TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH CURRENT EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AND UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OFFERED EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOMES OF NOT LESS THAN 101% OR MORE THAN 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PREMIUM ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE; TO PROVIDE THAT UPON CMS APPROVAL OF REQUESTED WAIVERS OR AMENDMENTS, THE DIVISION SHALL, IN CONJUNCTION AND CONSULTATION WITH RELATED STATE AGENCIES, IMPLEMENT THE APPROVED WAIVER COMPONENTS TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE MEDICAID PROGRAM AS PROVIDED UNDER THE APPLICABLE WAIVER; TO PROVIDE THAT ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAID AS DESCRIBED IN THIS ACT SHALL NOT BE DELAYED IF CMS FAILS TO APPROVE ANY REQUESTED WAIVERS OF THE STATE PLAN FOR WHICH THE DIVISION APPLIES, AND SUCH ELIGIBILITY SHALL NOT BE DELAYED WHILE THE DIVISION IS CONSIDERING OR NEGOTIATING ANY WAIVERS TO THE STATE PLAN; TO PROVIDE THAT IF CMS HAS NOT APPROVED A REQUESTED WAIVER OR STATE PLAN AMENDMENT SUBMITTED BY THE DIVISION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2027, ELIGIBILITY FOR THE MEDICAID PROGRAM SHALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL ELIGIBLE POPULATIONS AND ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS AS PROVIDED IN THE FEDERAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010; TO AMEND SECTION 43-13-115, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, HB 114 would significantly alter Mississippi's Medicaid landscape by expanding the eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The legislation aims to offer health coverage to uninsured individuals with household incomes between 101% and 200% of the federal poverty level. This initiative not only aims to enhance healthcare access for pregnant women and other vulnerable populations but also emphasizes preventive care to reduce overall healthcare costs. The Act envisions comprehensive reforms that align with federal legislation and aim to improve health outcomes across the state by reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Summary
House Bill 114, also known as the Mississippi Health Care Security and Promotion Act of 2026, is a legislative proposal aimed at expanding the Medicaid program in Mississippi. The bill seeks to direct the Division of Medicaid to apply for federal waivers and state plan amendments to allow the expansion of eligibility criteria for Medicaid coverage, specifically targeting individuals whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. This Act emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive health insurance coverage to low-income Mississippians who have been historically underserved.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 114 involve concerns regarding fiscal sustainability and the potential increase in state obligations. Critics argue that the expansion may lead to unsustainable costs for the state, especially if federal funding decreases or if the Medicaid program faces financial strain. Proponents, however, emphasize that the health benefits, like improved maternal care and broader access to essential health services, outweigh the potential costs, framing the bill as a necessary investment in the future health of Mississippians. Legislative discussions also highlight the importance of ensuring state accountability in the administration of expanded Medicaid services as part of the bill.