Mississippi Senate Bill SB2198

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 43-12-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT NO INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN OR A NATIONAL OF THE UNITED STATES SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) OR FOR MEDICAID UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL MEETS THE DEFINITION OF AN ELIGIBLE ALIEN UNDER 7 USC § 2015(F) OR 42 USC § 1396B(V), AS THE CASE MAY BE, AND MEETS THE DEFINITION OF A QUALIFIED ALIEN UNDER 8 USC § 1641(B); TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (DEPARTMENT) AND THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID (DIVISION) TO VERIFY CITIZENSHIP OR ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS DURING ENROLLMENT AND ELIGIBILITY REDETERMINATIONS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT AND THE DIVISION TO SUBMIT TO APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY HOUSEHOLD MEMBER DETERMINED TO BE AN UNLAWFULLY PRESENT ALIEN; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT AND THE DIVISION TO SUBMIT INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY HOUSEHOLD MEMBER FOR WHOM THEY ARE UNABLE TO VERIFY ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS; TO SET FORTH INCOME AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN SNAP; TO REQUIRE THE DIVISION TO ADHERE TO CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY PERIOD FOR VERIFICATION OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP OR ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS FOR MEDICAID AND TO REQUIRE A FIELD FOR CITIZENSHIP OR ELIGIBLE ALIEN STATUS ON ALL PRESUMPTIVE ELIGIBILITY APPLICATIONS; TO DIRECT THE DIVISION TO REQUIRE HOSPITALS THAT ACCEPT MEDICAID TO INCLUDE A PROVISION ON ADMISSION OR REGISTRATION FORMS FOR INFORMATION ABOUT A PATIENT'S CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION STATUS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIVISION SHALL REQUIRE SUCH HOSPITALS TO SUBMIT QUARTERLY REPORTS THAT INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF ADMISSIONS OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS BASED ON CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION STATUS; TO REQUIRE THE DIVISION TO SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE GOVERNOR, THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT INCLUDE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS FROM HOSPITALS THAT ACCEPT MEDICAID FOR THE PRIOR YEAR BASED ON CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION STATUS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

The bill heavily impacts state welfare statutes, as it mandates that the Department of Human Services and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid actively verify the citizenship or eligible alien status of applicants. This verification process is heightened by requirements for hospitals that accept Medicaid, which will now need to gather information about a patient's citizenship status at the point of admission. Annual and quarterly reports will be compiled to assess the effects of this bill on hospital admissions related to citizenship status, affecting healthcare access for many.

Summary

Senate Bill 2198 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 by instituting strict eligibility criteria for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid benefits. It specifically states that no individual who is not a United States citizen or national is allowed to participate in these programs unless they meet federal definitions of 'eligible alien' or 'qualified alien'. This legislation aims to ensure that only those who can provide proof of lawful residency are able to access state assistance programs.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked a debate over its implications for public health and welfare services. Supporters argue that it is necessary to prevent benefits from going to individuals unlawfully present in the United States, thereby protecting state resources. Conversely, opponents criticize it as being overly punitive and potentially harmful to healthcare access for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, who might be affected by such stringent identification requirements. The conflict centers around the balance between enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that basic health and nutritional needs are met for all residents.

Implementation

The new rules would take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing state agencies to adjust their processes and adapt to the anticipated changes. The bill also outlines protocols for information sharing with law enforcement, enabling the identification of unlawful residents, potentially raising concerns about privacy and the chilling effect it may have on individuals seeking care.