This Senate Resolution designates May 28, 2026, as "Blood Cancer Awareness Day" in Mississippi to promote public understanding of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The resolution encourages citizens, healthcare providers, and organizations to observe the day by increasing awareness, supporting patients and families, and advocating for continued investment in research and care access. It highlights the significant impact of blood cancers on Mississippi residents, including financial barriers to treatment and the state's participation in pediatric leukemia research. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, aiming to raise visibility for blood cancer issues within the state.
HB 1912 appropriates over $6.7 billion in state funds for Mississippi's Medicaid program for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It allocates specific sums to cover medical assistance under Mississippi Medicaid Law, administrative costs, and the CHIP program, with $61 million reserved for personal services like employee salaries and "vacancy funding" for authorized positions (840 permanent, 82 time-limited). The bill restricts shifts between funding categories, requires compliance with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan for salaries, and mandates that personal services spending not exceed the FY2027 appropriation without legislative approval. This funding directly supports the Division of Medicaid in delivering healthcare services to eligible Mississippi residents.
HB 607 removes a requirement that physical therapists must have prior work experience to work at Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers in Mississippi. The bill amends licensing standards to eliminate this specific experience mandate, directly affecting physical therapists seeking employment at these specialized pediatric care facilities. Key provisions change Section 41-125-19 of Mississippi law to state that the licensing agency "may not require physical therapists to have prior work experience" at PPEC centers. The bill, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have taken effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.
SB 2722 proposed creating Mississippi's Statewide Insurance Enrollment Assistance Program (SIEAP) within the Department of Insurance to provide free, unbiased help with health insurance applications and plan comparisons for Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP. The bill required the state to develop county-by-county uninsured data reports to target resources and simplify Medicaid renewal procedures to reduce coverage loss. It also directed the creation of a program to encourage small employers to participate in existing insurance programs through incentives. The SIEAP would train staff and partner with community organizations to offer personalized guidance at health fairs and enrollment events.
SB 2567 requires Mississippi's Medicaid program to pay an out-of-state pediatric teaching hospital (located in a city bordering the Mississippi River and meeting specific criteria) if federal Medicare/Medicaid authorities approve increased funding for such hospitals. The bill ensures that costs for treating Mississippi Medicaid children under 21 at this hospital do not exceed costs for similar care in Mississippi hospitals, and prevents in-state hospitals from receiving lower payments due to these out-of-state payments. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies only to hospitals meeting strict requirements like maintaining pediatric specialty programs and dedicated beds for patients under 21.
HB 1117, the "Creating Transparency and Accountability in Dental Services Act," requires dental insurance companies (dental carriers) to calculate and annually report their dental loss ratio (DLR) - the percentage of premium dollars spent directly on patient dental care versus administrative costs. Dental carriers must file these reports by June 30 each year, detailing how much was spent on clinical services, unpaid claims, and recovered payments, while excluding overhead like staff salaries or network development. The Commissioner of Insurance will make these reports publicly accessible on the department's website by December 1 each year and submit aggregated data to the Insurance Committees. This applies to all dental health plans sold in Mississippi but excludes Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and other state-sponsored plans.
SB 2568 requires Mississippi Medicaid and private insurance companies to cover essential disability-related services for children under 18, including communication devices, in-home nursing, behavioral therapy, developmental services, and necessary medical supplies. It directly affects children with disabilities and their families, as well as insurance providers regulated by the state. Key provisions mandate timely authorization for these services and prohibit repeated or unsupported denial of coverage. The bill aims to ensure consistent access to critical care without unnecessary administrative barriers.
HB 1681 creates the Maternal and Family Transportation Program to provide free transportation for pregnant women, new mothers (up to 18 months postpartum), and families with children under six. The program covers trips to medical appointments, WIC services, pharmacies, grocery stores for WIC redemptions, and childcare centers. The State Department of Health will administer the program, requiring transportation providers to meet safety standards (like child car seats and driver training) and use a mobile app for ride tracking and appointment reminders. This aims to reduce transportation barriers contributing to Mississippi’s high maternal and infant health disparities.
HB 227 requires Mississippi's Department of Human Services, State Department of Health, and Division of Medicaid to create a 20-minute video covering nutrition, healthy eating, obesity prevention, and breastfeeding benefits. The video must be offered in agency offices and on websites to applicants and recipients of TANF, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and CHIP benefits. It must include specific topics like dietary guidelines, physical activity recommendations, breastfeeding tips, and local resources, with annual updates. The video must be available by January 1, 2028, and the law clarifies that breastfeeding information is included in this single video rather than requiring separate materials.
SB 2479, the "Creating Transparency and Accountability in Dental Services Act," requires dental insurance companies (referred to as "dental carriers") to calculate and report annually how much of their premium revenue is spent directly on patient care versus administrative costs. Dental carriers must file detailed reports by June 30 each year, including data matching federal standards, and make these reports publicly accessible online by December 1. The law applies to all dental health plans sold in Mississippi, excluding Medicaid and state-sponsored programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program. This transparency measure aims to clarify where premium dollars go, allowing consumers and regulators to review carrier spending patterns.
