ICYMI: AFP-MS Publishes New Op-ed on Why Medicaid Expansion is Not the Right Choice for Mississippi
AFP-MS Highlights the Risks of Medicaid Expansion and Advocates for Real Healthcare Solutions
Jackson, MS – Americans for Prosperity – Mississippi (AFP-MS) State Director Starla Brown published a new op-ed featured in the Magnolia Tribune, addressing how Medicaid expansion would be a costly mistake for Mississippi. The expansion of Medicaid would likely burden both state and federal budgets, raise costs for taxpayers, and deepen a crippling dependency on the federal government. Instead, Brown advocates for the “Personal Option,” which aims to make a series of reforms to provide affordable, high-quality, and personalized healthcare.
An excerpt of the op-ed is below:
Magnolia Tribune: Medicaid expansion in Mississippi is not the answer. Here’s why
“The issue of Medicaid expansion in Mississippi has dominated the political and legislative landscape for years. Session after session, critics highlight how Mississippi is one of only ten states that have not expanded the program since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010. While a few well-intentioned Republicans in the state legislature support its expansion, Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi (AFP-MS) supports Governor Tate Reeves in opposing the current efforts to expand Medicaid.
“Medicaid was never designed to be a primary insurance provider for able-bodied consumers, but rather as a temporary solution for individuals and families who need it. Medicaid’s bureaucratic reimbursement process means doctors and clinics, which are often locally owned by residents in our communities, receive less money than they would from private health plans.
“Expanding Medicaid also strains state and federal budgets, potentially costing taxpayers even more than expected. Counting on the federal government to continue a 90% contribution to the program is dangerous as that contribution, as well as the federally permissible state provider-tax rate, could both decrease.
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“Should the next legislative session bring forth another Medicaid expansion bill, we will once again participate in this important policy debate. AFP-MS remains committed to advocating for a Personal Option in healthcare – a series of meaningful reforms that foster opportunity and prosperity for Mississippians.
“At AFP-MS, we believe the Magnolia State’s best days are ahead of us. Just like every other state in America, there are challenges our elected leaders and state officials must confront. We face serious challenges in the years ahead, including an aging and declining workforce and low education rates.
“We urge our representatives to address these critical issues instead of attempting another misguided approach to expand Medicaid that will undoubtedly be vetoed by Governor Reeves, and instead consider a better path that empowers Mississippians with affordable, personalized, and high-quality care.”
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