MS HB513

Amends Section 43-13-117 of Mississippi Code to provide increased Medicaid reimbursement for inpatient hospital services at hospitals in counties meeting specific criteria.

Hospitals qualify for increased reimbursement (not less than 80% of Medicare rate) if located in counties with average monthly unemployment of 8% or higher for the previous 12 months AND experiencing critical shortage of physicians and nurses.

Critical shortage determination made by committee composed of Mississippi Hospital Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, Mississippi Primary Care Association representatives, and House/Senate Medicaid Committee chairs.

Increased reimbursement rates must be implemented by Division of Medicaid no later than September 1, 2025, with annual adjustments thereafter by September 1 each year.

Effective date is July 1, 2025.