MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Hall, Frazier

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-86-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DEFINE THE TERM "LOW-INCOME CHILD" FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM IN MISSISSIPPI (C.H.I.P.S.); AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 41-86-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

41-86-5. As used in Sections 41-86-5 through 41-86-17, the following definitions shall have the meanings ascribed in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise:

(a) "Act" means the Mississippi Children's Health Care Act.

(b) "Administering agency" means the agency designated by the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program Commission to administer the program.

(c) "Board" means the State and Public School Employees Health Insurance Management Board created under Section 25-15-303.

(d) "Child" means an individual who is under nineteen (19) years of age who is not eligible for Medicaid benefits and is not covered by other health insurance.

(e) "Commission" means the Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program Commission created by Section 41-86-7.

(f) "Covered benefits" means the types of health care benefits and services provided to eligible recipients under the Children's Health Care Program.

(g) "Division" means the Division of Medicaid in the Office of the Governor.

(h) "Low-income child" means a child whose family income does not exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the poverty level for a family of the size involved.

(i) "Plan" means the State Child Health Plan.

(j) "Program" means the Children's Health Care Program established by Sections 41-86-5 through 41-86-17.

(k) "Recipient" means a person who is eligible for assistance under the program.

(l) "State Child Health Plan" means the permanent plan that sets forth the manner and means by which the State of Mississippi will provide health care assistance to eligible uninsured, low-income children consistent with the provisions of Title XXI of the federal Social Security Act, as amended.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.