The Medicaid program was operated under the supervision and control of a separate seven-member governing commission, the Mississippi Medicaid Commission. The program was established to provide medical care services for certain economically disadvantaged persons. Eligibility requirements were established by the state according to federal guidelines for qualifying aged, blind, or disabled persons or families with dependent children. Funding was through predetermined federal-state matching ratios.
A number of other agencies were under contract with the Medicaid Commission to perform specified functions. These agencies were the Department of Public Welfare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi, Inc., and the State Board of Health. These primary contractors and their main contractual obligations were discussed in depth along with detailed recommendations for correction of problem areas. Also analyzed were major medical service operations-health care costs, hospital services, nursing home services, physician and dental services, and pharmacies and drugs. The final section of the report dealt with Medicaid and the future, exploring alternative forms of care and public health education. In general, the report was an extensive analysis of the Medicaid program.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.