MS HB777

Requires Division of Medicaid to provide written notification to applicants or recipients when denying eligibility or denying, reducing, or terminating benefits, including all eligibility criteria, specific reasons for the decision, and phone numbers for consumer assistance programs.

Changes administrative hearings on Medicaid eligibility claims to be held in person by default, unless the claimant or their representative requests a hearing by telephone.

Grants claimants the right to request review of their case by physicians from the Division's quality improvement organization before the administrative hearing.

Allows claimants to have physicians who examined them present at the hearing to provide evidence concerning their eligibility for benefits.

Effective date is July 1, 2011.