Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions: Interactive Map

August 17, 2020, Kaiser Family Foundation – Medicaid expansion was a key issue in the 2019 Mississippi gubernatorial election, dividing candidates in both the August 27 Republican primary and in the November 5 general election. Republican Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, who adamantly opposes expansion, ultimately won both races, making it unlikely that the state will take up expansion in the next four years.

Mask Use Dropping Rapidly After Mississippi Mandate Ends, Dr. Dobbs Warns

October 6, 2020, Jackson Free Press, Julian Mills and Nick Judin – State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs is sounding the alarm, warning that mask usage is declining in Mississippi immediately after the governor lifted the statewide mask requirement. “Listen to the secret of Sweden’s COVID response,” Dobbs tweeted on Sunday, Oct. 4. “Near universal, voluntary compliance with public health guidance. Please mask up. Discouraging to see mask use dropping off so rapidly after mandate lifted.” View Story.
Coalition calls for Medicaid expansion

October 2, 2020, MPB, Kobee Vance – Members of Southerners for Medicaid Expansion are holding a vigil honoring the more than 200,000 people who have died from the Coronavirus in the US. The coalition believes by not expanding the healthcare program, it has hurt the south’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, especially for essential workers who’s jobs are low pay. Dr. Charlene Collier with the state Department of Health says the coronavirus only made health disparities worse. “One of those being not having health insurance and access to adequate healthcare so even when you’re thinking you’re sick you don’t have a doctor to start your care with, and then once you do finally get coverage, it’s often for something that’s more catastrophic, so not getting that early preventive care,” says Dr. Collier. View Story.