MS HB1565

Direct the Division of Medicaid to negotiate a Section 1115 waiver with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a demonstration project providing temporary Medicaid benefits to individuals needing mental health or substance use disorder services.

Limit Medicaid benefits during the presumptive eligibility period to mental health services or substance use disorder services only.

Define the presumptive eligibility period as beginning when a qualified entity determines preliminary eligibility and ending on the earlier of: a final eligibility determination, or the last day of the month following the month the entity makes its determination if no application is filed.

Require qualified entities (approved Medicaid providers capable of making eligibility determinations) to notify the Division within five working days of determining presumptive eligibility and inform individuals they must apply for Medicaid by the last day of the following month.

Require the Division to submit the waiver application to CMS no later than October 1, 2025, with the act effective July 1, 2025.