Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program A. In 1972, the United States Congress passed amendments to the Social Security Act establishing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program for the aged, blind and disabled (ABD) individuals. The Missisisppi Legislature amended its code to specify that State Department of Public Welfare (DPW) would no longer determine eligibility for a monthly payment for ABD-designated recipients beneficiaries.. B. Under the Social Security Act amendments, states had the option to either grant Medicaid to all persons receiving SSI or to grant Medicaid to persons who met more restrictive criteria as determined individually by states. The Mississippi Legislature voted to limit Medicaid eligibility to persons who met more restrictive criteria and to designate the DPW as the certifying agency for Medicaid. C. During the l980 Session, the Mississippi Legislature extended Medicaid coverage to all individuals receiving SSI. In addition, SSI criteria would be used to determine eligibility for all ABD individuals. During the 1981 Session, the Mississippi Legislature designated the Mississippi Medicaid Commission to make Medicaid determinations for ABD individuals. Regional Medicaid offices opened in July 1981 to assess eligibility of ABD individuals who did not receive SSI.