MS HB379

Creates Section 43-15-18 requiring the Department of Human Services to provide a separate website link or portal with information and application access for kinship caregivers and children in their care to apply for public assistance benefits.

Defines "kinship caregiver" as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle, cousin, sibling, or close family friend who has assumed responsibility for raising a child informally after parents lose or abdicate the ability to provide care.

Creates Section 43-13-117.5 allowing dependents of military service members to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and developmental disability services even if absent from Mississippi due to the service member's military assignment.

Permits military dependents to be placed on waiting lists for developmental disability services if they left Mississippi due to military assignment and provides for resumption of services upon return to the state.

Requires the Division of Medicaid to request federal waivers if necessary to implement these provisions and takes effect July 1, 2017.