MS HB159

Hospitals located in counties with an average monthly unemployment rate of 8% or higher for the previous 12 months AND a critical shortage of physicians and nurses would receive increased Medicaid reimbursement rates of at least 80% of Medicare rates for both inpatient and outpatient services

A committee composed of representatives from the Mississippi Hospital Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, Mississippi Primary Care Association, and the Chairs of the House and Senate Medicaid Committees would determine which counties have a critical shortage of physicians and nurses

The increased reimbursement rates must be implemented by the Division of Medicaid no later than September 1, 2023, and adjusted annually thereafter each September 1

Unemployment rates would be determined using data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for the 12 months of the previous state fiscal year

The bill amends Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, with an effective date of July 1, 2023