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HB 468

Medicaid eligibility; provide coverage of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Omeria Scott

HB 468 would enable Mississippi Medicaid to cover PACE services for elderly residents, offering coordinated community-based care as an alternative to nursing homes.

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Bill Summary · HB 468

Legislative bill overview

HB 468 would expand Mississippi's Medicaid program to cover the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a comprehensive healthcare model that serves frail seniors aged 55 and older. PACE provides coordinated medical, social, and long-term care services as an alternative to institutional care. The bill aims to make this option available to eligible elderly Mississippians through the state's Medicaid system.

Why is this important

PACE programs can reduce hospitalizations and nursing home admissions by providing integrated primary care, specialists, therapy, meals, and transportation in a community-based setting. For Mississippi, which has significant elderly and low-income populations, this could improve quality of life for seniors while potentially reducing expensive institutional care costs. However, the bill's fiscal impact and implementation feasibility would determine its actual viability.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost uncertainty: PACE requires substantial upfront investment and ongoing operational funding; Mississippi would need to determine if state budgets can absorb these costs or negotiate federal matching rates
  • Program availability: PACE requires specific infrastructure and providers; rural Mississippi may lack capacity to implement this model equitably across the state
  • Medicaid expansion pressures: Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, creating questions about whether the state would prioritize PACE funding over other healthcare needs or population groups

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

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