41-3-101 - Provision of free medical services to those uninsured and unable to pay; funding. - Mississippi Statutes

§ 41-3-101. Provision of free medical services to those uninsured and unable to pay; funding.
 

The State Department of Health is authorized to contract with the Mississippi State Medical Association for the purpose of establishing a statewide program for providing needed medical services at no charge to persons who have no form of health insurance and are unable to pay for such medical services. Under such program, the department shall set the criteria for eligibility to receive such free medical services and, through the county health departments, shall determine which individuals are eligible to receive such services. If the Mississippi State Medical Association contracts with the department for the establishment of such a program, the association shall identify and solicit physicians to participate in the program, set up a network of those physicians willing to participate and arrange to provide needed medical services at no charge to those persons who are determined eligible by the county health departments. For the payment of administration expenses related to the program, the department shall have a fund comprised of such funds appropriated therefor by the Legislature, out of which shall be paid (a) the cost of maintaining a toll-free telephone number for receiving calls from eligible persons and contacting the participating physicians for referral of any appropriate patient; (b) any administrative costs of the Mississippi State Medical Association in setting up a network of participating physicians; and (c) any other administrative expenses of the department and the association related to the program. 
 

Sources: Laws,  1990, ch. 544, § 1, eff from and after July 1, 1990.