MS HB152

Hospitals located in counties with an average monthly unemployment rate of 8% or higher for the previous fiscal year and a critical shortage of physicians and nurses would receive Medicaid reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient services at no less than 80% of the Medicare rate

Physician and nurse shortage determinations would be made by a committee consisting of representatives from the Mississippi Hospital Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, Mississippi Primary Care Association, and the Chairs of the House and Senate Medicaid Committees

The increased reimbursement rate must be implemented by the Division of Medicaid no later than September 1, 2026, with annual adjustments each September thereafter

Unemployment rate data would be based on figures from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for the twelve months of the previous state fiscal year

The act takes effect July 1, 2026