MS HB1242

Extends the repeal date of hospital assessment provisions from July 1, 2018 to July 1, 2021, allowing continued assessments on non-Medicare hospital inpatient days to fund Medicaid.

Hospital assessments range from $74 million to $104 million annually depending on Mississippi's Medicaid state matching funds percentage (16% to 24%), with quarterly increases capped at $3.75 million.

Nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric residential treatment facilities remain subject to assessments equal to the maximum rate allowed by federal law for each licensed and occupied bed.

Extends Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) and inpatient Medicare Upper Payment Limits (UPL) program payments and inpatient hospital access payments through fiscal year 2021.

Assessments are collected monthly and deposited into the Medical Care Fund; unpaid assessments subject to 10% penalty, legal interest, and potential liens on facility property.