MS HB379

Amends Mississippi Code Section 43-13-115 to add a new eligibility category for Medicaid covering individuals under 65 years old, not pregnant, not enrolled in Medicare, with income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.

Requires a statewide special election on November 5, 2024, where voters will decide whether to approve Medicaid expansion as authorized under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

If a majority of voters approve the expansion in the November 2024 election, Section 1 of the act takes effect on January 1, 2025; if rejected, the expansion does not take effect.

Eligible individuals under the new category would receive benchmark or benchmark-equivalent coverage as defined in the federal Social Security Act.

The Division of Medicaid is responsible for determining eligibility under this new category and must redetermine eligibility at intervals required by federal law.