Mississippi lawmakers are gearing up for a crucial vote this week on a proposal to expand Medicaid coverage to tens of thousands more people in the state. The plan includes a work requirement that may face challenges in gaining federal approval.
The state House and Senate have already passed separate expansion plans earlier this year, and negotiators from both chambers recently reached a compromise on the proposal. The plan would mandate that new Medicaid recipients work at least 100 hours a month in a job without private health insurance, or fit into other categories such as being a full-time student or a parent of a young child.
If the federal government rejects Mississippi’s work requirement, the state Division of Medicaid would need to seek approval annually, recognizing that a different federal administration could make a different decision. Currently, Georgia is the only state with a Medicaid work requirement, and it is fighting to maintain the mandate after the Biden administration revoked its approval.
Advocates argue that expanding Medicaid in Mississippi, one of the poorest states in the U.S., could help thousands of residents manage chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes. Republican Governor Tate Reeves, who has been hesitant about expanding Medicaid in the past, may see a shift in dynamics this year with the potential benefits for financially struggling hospitals.
The proposal aims to extend coverage to about 200,000 people earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which could make a significant impact in a state where Medicaid currently covers around 375,000 residents. The final decision rests on the upcoming vote and potential federal approval.