Senate passes pediatric Medicaid reimbursement bill pending CMS approval

Senate Bill 25-67 (Mississippi Pediatric Access to Critical Healthcare Protection Act) was called up and explained by Senator Blackwell as legislation to permit Medicaid reimbursement for a Border City University–affiliated pediatric hospital, contingent on approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The House inserted a one‑year repealer clause; the Senate indicated no objection to the repealer and moved for passage by morning roll call.

"This bill... allows Medicaid to reimburse, Border City University affiliated pediatric hospital pending CMS approval," Senator Blackwell said on the floor. Senators recorded no substantive questions on the motion, and the bill passed by the use of the morning roll call. The floor summary records concurrence with the House language and placement of the one‑year repealer as accepted by the Senate.