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HB 985

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Yancey

Bill authorizes Mississippi's Insurance Commissioner to request a federal ACA waiver allowing the state to redesign health insurance requirements if the plan maintains coverage and affordability.

Referred To Insurance
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Bill Summary · HB 985

Legislative bill overview

HB 985 authorizes Mississippi's Commissioner of Insurance to apply for a Section 1332 state innovation waiver under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This waiver would allow the state to propose alternative healthcare delivery or financing mechanisms while remaining exempt from certain ACA requirements, provided the state's plan meets federal guardrails for coverage, affordability, and solvency.

Why is this important

Section 1332 waivers represent one of the few mechanisms states have to modify ACA implementation without federal legislation. Mississippi could potentially redesign its health insurance market, though any proposal must demonstrate it won't increase the federal deficit or reduce coverage quality—a significant constraint that has limited waiver approvals nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • Uncertainty about intentions: The bill provides authorization without specifying what waiver proposal Mississippi would pursue, leaving key details unknown (association health plans, short-term plans, alternative subsidies, etc.)
  • Federal deficit impact: Most ambitious state proposals have been rejected because they fail the "deficit-neutral" test; this creates uncertainty about what's actually achievable
  • Coverage equity concerns: Depending on the proposal, waivers could allow insurers to segment markets in ways that leave sicker or lower-income individuals with higher costs or fewer options
  • Implementation timeline: Process from authorization to approved waiver typically takes 2-3 years, making near-term impacts unlikely

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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