Oct 19, 2023
Jackson, MS – Today, State Sen. Sollie Norwood, educators, faith leaders, and healthcare professionals criticized Tate Reeves for his refusal to expand Medicaid. In contrast they endorsed Brandon Presley’s plan to expand Medicaid on day one. Mississippi is losing more than $1 billion every year because of Tate Reeves’ healthcare crisis. Expanding access to affordable healthcare would produce an average of 11,000 new jobs a year for five years and provide an additional $44 million a year to the state general fund.
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October 19, 2023
“The State Of Healthcare In Our State Is Deteriorating” State Sen. Norwood Criticizes Tate Reeves For His Failure To Expand Medicaid
Jackson, MS – Today, State Sen. Sollie Norwood, educators, faith leaders, and healthcare professionals criticized Tate Reeves for his refusal to expand Medicaid. In contrast they endorsed Brandon Presley’s plan to expand Medicaid on day one. Mississippi is losing more than $1 billion every year because of Tate Reeves’ healthcare crisis. Expanding access to affordable healthcare would produce an average of 11,000 new jobs a year for five years and provide an additional $44 million a year to the state general fund.
During Tate Reeves’ 12 years at the top of Mississippi’s government, the maternal mortality rate has increased by almost 9% and amongst Black women the increase is 25%. A recent report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that under Tate Reeves, Mississippi has the highest infant mortality rate at 9.4% exceeding the national rate by almost 4%. Another report shows that on Tate Reeves’ watch, Mississippi’s infant mortality has reached a five-year high.
“The state of healthcare in our state is deteriorating very poorly each day and our governor has refused to accept the Medicaid expansion money and he indicated that he would not accept the Medicaid expansion money,” said State Senator Sollie Norwood. “Our survival as a state is going to depend on the expansion of Medicaid. We've lost healthcare facilities in Jackson, St. Dominic's has made some closures. Merit Health hospital has made some closures. So healthcare has been impacted here in the city of Jackson.”
"This expansion would just mean that we will see to it that more children would have a chance to live than would not have,” said Lutithia Luckett, retired educator. “[Medicaid expansion] is a way out for us and our children and our people. We are the poorest state, why not give the poorest state the help that they need, so they can be saved. Presley for governor."
“If we don't expand Medicaid, a lot of the elderly would not get those services they need,” said Clarissa Belmee, Home Health Aide. “Our nursing homes are affected by the lack of expansion, they're not able to get the glasses, or their teeth, or other things they need without the expansion.”
While mothers and babies suffer and Mississippi hospitals close or struggle to keep their doors open, the hospital closure governor has done nothing about the hospital crisis. Instead of supporting a solution staring him square in the face, Tate Reeves has blocked Mississippi from expanding Medicaid which has led to more hospital closures and higher health care costs for hard-working Mississippians.
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About Mississippi Democratic Party:
The Mississippi Democratic Party is dedicated to advancing progressive values, fostering inclusive policies, and promoting equal representation for all Mississippians. As the state's leading Democratic organization, we work tirelessly to build a strong and diverse coalition, advocate for meaningful change, and support Democratic candidates who champion social justice, economic fairness, and access to quality healthcare and education. Together, we strive to create a brighter future for Mississippi by ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts.