Commissioner of Insurance; authorize to apply for state innovation waiver under Affordable Care Act.

HB 985 authorizes Mississippi's Commissioner of Insurance to apply for a State Innovation Waiver under the Affordable Care Act (Section 1332). This bill directly affects the Commissioner’s authority by explicitly adding this option to existing powers related to health insurance exchanges. The key provision amends state law to permit the Commissioner to seek federal waivers that could allow Mississippi to modify certain Affordable Care Act requirements for its health insurance market. The change does not create new programs but clarifies the Commissioner’s ability to pursue waiver opportunities under federal law. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.