Any plan would have needed to pass with at least a two-thirds vote — a wide enough margin to survive an expected veto from Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, who refers to Medicaid as ‘welfare.’
House and Senate leaders were working behind closed doors to secure support. They need at least a two-thirds margin in each chamber — enough to override an expected veto by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.
Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the U.S., and advocates say covering tens of thousands more people with Medicaid could help them manage chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said in a statement Friday that he hopes the House and Senate can reach an agreement on Medicaid during the final days of the four-month Legislative Session.
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said for years that he opposes putting more people on government programs.
The Senate plan includes a strict work requirement unlikely to be approved by President Joe Biden’s Administration.
It extends eligibility only to those making up to 100% of the federal poverty level, just over $15,000 for one person. That is down from the 138% figure approved by the House, just under $21,000 for one person.
Mississippi had an initiative process for decades until the state Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the process was no longer valid.
Supporters of the policy, including the state health officer, have said it would help improve health outcomes in Mississippi.
