HB 659 Summary

• Requires the Division of Medicaid Executive Director to present a feasibility study to state leadership by October 1, 2022, examining how a block grant could finance Mississippi's Medicaid program while improving access, outcomes, and fiscal stability.

• Reduces TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefit time limit from 60 months to 24 months for adult recipients, with exceptions for certain foster parents and relatives in child-only cases.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to assign SNAP recipients to employment and training programs as a condition of benefit participation.

• Mandates all public housing authorities to seek federal waivers by January 1, 2023, to screen applicants and recipients for unemployment/underemployment, create employability plans requiring 20+ hours per week of work or training, and terminate housing benefits for non-compliance.

• Requires housing authorities to give highest preference for housing benefits to families where all able-bodied adults are employed.