MS HB1381

Amends Mississippi Medicaid law to expand eligibility to individuals under 65 years old, not pregnant, not enrolled in Medicare, with income not exceeding 133% of the federal poverty level, consistent with the Affordable Care Act.

Requires a statewide special election on November 7, 2023, where voters decide whether to approve Medicaid expansion through a yes/no ballot question.

Medicaid expansion takes effect January 1, 2024, only if a majority of voters approve the measure in the November 2023 special election; if voters reject it, the expansion does not occur.

Eligible individuals under the expansion would receive benchmark or benchmark equivalent coverage as defined under Section 1937 of the federal Social Security Act.

The Division of Medicaid determines eligibility for individuals covered under the new category and must redetermine eligibility as required by federal law.