MS HB843

Requires individuals providing Medicaid planning services for compensation to register annually with the Division of Medicaid, with exemption for licensed attorneys with legal malpractice insurance covering Medicaid planning services.

Mandates Medicaid planners provide registration information including business address, contact details, education level, years of experience, and Certified Medicaid Planner certification status to the Division of Medicaid.

Requires the Division of Medicaid to distribute the list of registered planners and their information to all local and regional Medicaid offices and add a question to Medicaid benefit applications asking applicants if they used a Medicaid planner.

Mandates each Medicaid planner file a $100,000 surety bond with the State Treasurer at initial registration to protect individuals from losses resulting from fraud, dishonesty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or failure to provide services as represented.

Creates misdemeanor penalties of up to $500 for the first violation and up to $2,500 for subsequent violations for willfully failing to register or file the required bond; the law automatically repeals on July 1, 2017.