Obamacare, in Its First Big Test as Safety Net, Is Holding Up So Far

In past recessions, the uninsured rate would surge. Now, for the first time, Americans are experiencing a recession with the Affordable Care Act in place. The health law’s expansion of Medicaid and its offer of subsidized health plans have provided a new safety net for those who have lost their jobs and their health insurance.The New York Times, Read More.

They took welfare money to turn ugly produce into meals, but fed no one

Nonprofit founder Nancy New handed restaurateur Jeff Good a check for $200,000 and then ghosted.The idea was for their organizations to partner to create a food recovery and reclamation center. They would take food that groceries and restaurants didn’t want — what people picture as a bruised apple or an ugly carrot — and turn it into ready-to-eat meals for the hungry. In late 2018 when they conceived the concept, one of Good’s businesses Soul City Hospitality was already leasing and investing in an empty, 16,000-square foot warehouse with that kind of project in mind.And New, who held a multi-million dollar state contract to spend federal welfare dollars with virtually no accountability, had the cash.Mississippi Today, Read More.
How leading physicians want to improve healthcare access in Mississippi

Mississippi is one of 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid, and leaders with the Mississippi State Medical Association have created a plan to work towards expanding healthcare in the state. The plan addresses a variety of items and would be similar to that of neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana which have both expanded healthcare access through Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waivers. These waivers allow states flexibility in how Medicaid programs are created.MPB, Read More.