MS HB102

Amends Section 43-13-117 of Mississippi Code to establish increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals in counties with high unemployment and critical physician/nurse shortages.

Requires the Division of Medicaid to provide reimbursement at not less than 80% of the Medicare rate for inpatient and outpatient hospital services in qualifying counties.

Qualifying counties must have had an average monthly unemployment rate of 8% or higher for the twelve months of the previous state fiscal year and a critical shortage of physicians and nurses as determined by a committee including representatives from the Mississippi Hospital Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, and Mississippi Primary Care Association.

Increased reimbursement rates must be implemented by September 1, 2024, and adjusted annually thereafter by September 1.

Section 43-13-117 is extended and shall stand repealed on July 1, 2025.