Medicaid; expand eligibility to include individuals entitled to benefits under federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

HB 466 would expand Mississippi's Medicaid program to include low-income adults who are entitled to benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Currently, Mississippi Medicaid eligibility is limited to specific groups like families on public assistance, seniors on SSI, or pregnant women meeting strict income thresholds, but this bill would add individuals who qualify for ACA-based coverage. It amends state law to update eligibility criteria (Section 43-13-115) and requires coverage of essential health benefits for these new enrollees (Section 43-13-117). This change would directly affect thousands of low-income Mississippi residents who currently lack Medicaid access under the state’s current rules.