The Mississippi lawmakers have started negotiations on a potential plan to expand Medicaid coverage to thousands of low-income individuals in the state. Despite Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, reaching a compromise is still uncertain. Mississippi is one of the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the federal health care overhaul signed into law in 2010. Governor Tate Reeves has been opposed to adding more people to government programs, but with the new House speaker, Republican Jason White, showing support for expansion, it is now being seriously considered in the Capitol.
The House previously voted to expand coverage to about 200,000 individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, while the Senate passed a version extending eligibility to those earning up to 100% of the federal poverty level. House Medicaid Committee Chairwoman Missy McGee proposed a compromise that would allow Mississippi to receive full federal funding for expansion. Under her plan, individuals earning up to 100% of the federal poverty level would be covered by Medicaid, while those earning between 100% and 138% would receive subsidies to purchase insurance through a federal exchange.
While the House is pushing for quick action on expansion, Senate Medicaid Committee Chairman Kevin Blackwell cautioned against moving too fast. He emphasized the need for a more deliberate approach to ensure that all aspects are thoroughly considered. McGee, on the other hand, stressed the urgency of providing coverage to low-income Mississippians who have been waiting for this for over a decade. The two chambers are currently in discussions, but senators have not yet responded to the House’s proposal. It is significant that both chambers are engaging in talks about expansion, signaling a potential breakthrough in the long-standing debate.
Legislators in Mississippi typically negotiate bills in private, but this year they have agreed to hold open meetings on Medicaid expansion. The meeting on Tuesday drew a large crowd, with spectators arriving early to attend. The issue of Medicaid expansion is crucial for the state, as thousands of residents stand to benefit from increased access to healthcare. As the session nears its end in early May, the pressure is on for lawmakers to come to a consensus on this landmark proposal. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of many Mississippians, particularly those working low-wage jobs without access to private insurance.
