Issues: Health Care Reform

Mississippi is a state that has had a long, sad history with health outcomes. The confluence of historical racial and economic baggage, indifferent and sometimes hostile leadership, and long-standing, suffocating poverty has created a seemingly untenable environment for change. At this writing, Mississippi has 17.9% of its citizens uninsured, 40% in poverty according to the federal poverty level guidelines, and 22.1% of its citizens on Medicaid. These are the results of years of neglect on the issue of health care coverage.

The Affordable Act

The landmark Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act (PPACA) that was signed into law this March presented a once in a decade opportunity for Mississippi to envision health care delivery in way that is tailored our specific needs.  The bill is a comprehensive effort that strives to open up and protect current access to both public health care programs and the private insurance market.  It aims to cover 32 million more Americans, while ensuring protections for the millions that are currently insured. As health care advocates, our goal is to work diligently to engage the public and policymakers in making sure that the vision and promise of health care reform for thousands of Mississippians is realized.  It is our hope that this website will be a trusted source for providing accurate, timely, and easily understood information about what health care reform really means for you and your family.

Mississippi Health Reform Project

MHAP’s long-term goal for this project is to build, mobilize and sustain a diverse statewide coalition of Mississippians committed to expanding health insurance coverage for all uninsured citizens of this State. We also want to begin a substantive dialogue around coverage expansion in this State.

Get Involved

Learn more about and get involved in the Mississippi Health Reform Project by visiting the MHAP Action Center.