Medicaid; provide increased reimbursement rate for hospitals in counties with high unemployment and doctor shortage.

HB 210 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals in Mississippi counties with both high unemployment (8%+ average monthly rate for the prior fiscal year) and a critical shortage of physicians/nurses. It requires the state Medicaid division to pay at least 80% of the Medicare rate for inpatient and outpatient services at qualifying hospitals, starting September 1, 2026. The bill targets hospitals in underserved areas to support healthcare access, with eligibility determined by a committee including hospital and nursing associations. This policy change directly affects hospitals in designated counties, not all healthcare providers.