Jackson’s Healthcare Leaders Push for Medicaid Expansion
TL/DR –
The “Better Health Summits” are being held in Mississippi and Alabama by nonprofit Together for Hope and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to advocate for Medicaid expansion. Despite public support, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves opposes Medicaid expansion, but his Democratic opponent, Brandon Presley, pledges to change the policy if elected. The summits bring together healthcare providers, community leaders, and politicians to discuss strategies and benefits of expanding Medicaid, which could bring more than $1 billion each year to the state, where one report shows nearly half of rural hospitals are at risk of closure.
Improving Healthcare and Expanding Medicaid in Mississippi
Together for Hope, a non-profit organization, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will be hosting “Better Health Summits” aimed at enhancing healthcare and expanding Medicaid in Mississippi. The summits focus on community leaders, healthcare workers, and interested parties with the objective of collective action for change.
Mississippi remains one of the ten states in the US that haven’t expanded Medicaid, making it a key issue in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Despite public support, Governor Tate Reeves opposes Medicaid expansion, which could potentially bring over $1 billion a year to the state. Half of Mississippi’s rural hospitals risk closure, ranking it among the unhealthiest states in the country.
Contrarily, Reeves’ Democratic opponent, Brandon Presley, has pledged to revise this policy the moment he steps into office. LEARN MORE: Presley’s promise to expand Medicaid as Reeves holds to opposition.
The summits have featured prominent healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and advocates as speakers. Attendees will gain insights into community healthcare resources, health policy issues, hospital conditions, and navigating the current healthcare system.
The event aims to increase access to quality healthcare, anchored by data supporting Medicaid expansion as a viable solution. The free summit will start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. after a call to action. Those interested can register for the event here.
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