The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) has received more than $600,000 in funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has launched an innovative grant program to provide almost $9 million to 14 states to improve women’s health coverage and access to critical health benefits. These funds may be used to develop activities and launch educational campaigns to address disparities in access to reproductive health care and maternal health outcomes.
“Many Mississippi women face challenges when trying to access information about available benefits or coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “Improving access to women’s health care will save lives in our state. My office will work with experts to examine the availability of women’s health benefits, items, and services, including for preventive care, pregnancy, and childbirth, which most health insurance plans must cover under the ACA.”
MID also plans to conduct “market conduct examinations,” which are tools to confirm insurers are delivering the required preventive health services and following applicable regulations and will use additional funds to develop educational materials, seminars, and workshops related to women’s health.