MS HB1220

Establishes the Mississippi Health Benefit Exchange as a state agency to facilitate purchase and sale of health plans in the individual and small group markets, with an effective date of no later than January 1, 2014.

Creates a 16-member governing board including ex officio members (Commissioner of Insurance, Medicaid Administrator, legislative committee chairs, Attorney General) and appointed representatives from insurance companies, producers, consumer advocates, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Requires the exchange to certify qualified health plans, operate a toll-free hotline and website, establish enrollment periods, facilitate premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, and connect eligible individuals to Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program.

Authorizes the exchange to charge assessments or user fees to health carriers for operational funding and mandates the exchange become self-sustaining by January 1, 2015.

Sunsets the entire act on July 1, 2016, unless extended by the legislature.