Oct 12, 2023
Jackson, MS – Yesterday, State Rep. Daryl Porter, healthcare professionals, and faith leaders slammed Tate Reeves for his refusal to expand Medicaid. Mississippi is losing more than $1 billion every year because of Tate Reeves’ healthcare crisis. Expanding access to affordable healthcare would produce an average of 11,000 new jobs a year for five years and provide an additional $44 million a year to the state general fund.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Press@Mississippidemocrats.org
October 12, 2023
“Tate Reeves Has Done Absolutely Nothing To Save Our Healthcare System" Rep. Daryl Porter Slams Tate Reeves For His Failure To Expand Medicaid
Jackson, MS – Yesterday, State Rep. Daryl Porter, healthcare professionals, and faith leaders slammed Tate Reeves for his refusal to expand Medicaid. Mississippi is losing more than $1 billion every year because of Tate Reeves’ healthcare crisis. Expanding access to affordable healthcare would produce an average of 11,000 new jobs a year for five years and provide an additional $44 million a year to the state general fund.
“While he was serving as lieutenant governor and now Governor Tate Reeves has done absolutely nothing, and I want to be clear, absolutely nothing to save our healthcare system here in the state of Mississippi,” said State Rep. Daryl Porter. “Our governor has failed us for 12 years. Tate Reeves, if he wanted to, if he actually cared, he could walk in the office tomorrow, and with the stroke of his pen, expand Medicaid. He has failed to do that. I'm proud to know that we do have a candidate that is running for governor that has stated time and time again, that on day one, he will expand Medicaid, not because it's a Republican issue or a Democratic issue or a white issue or a black issue. It is a people issue. Brandon Presley is that individual, is that candidate that is running for governor and will be on the ballot November the seventh.”
“When we talk about community, when we talk about rural communities, there's a struggle, there’s a significant struggle in recruiting and even retaining doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants,” said Apostle Clayton Bullock. “It may be 30 minutes before an ambulance shows up to the scene. I think we have to look at it in terms of how can we best make sure that every possible person has access to care. 40 out of 50 states have expanded Medicaid, we are one of the 10 that have not. And it's simply because of the governor. In Walthall County, when the median income is $21,872, we have a problem.”
“My daughter lost her job back in March of this year, where she had health insurance,” said Venis Dillon, Healthcare Representative at Change Healthcare. “She doesn't have health insurance now. She just got a little part-time job until she gets a full-time job. She just recently filed for Medicaid. Because of the part-time job where she's only making $150 a week, she was denied because there's three in the household and the adult’s gross income can not be more than $488 a month.”
“A lot of patients I've seen have not been able to get the care that they need, because they were uninsured,” said Dr. Jennifer Golson, Physician. Our hospitals are in serious financial shape right now. The recent move that the governor did is just a temporary Band Aid. It's not going to solve the problem. Medicaid expansion is not a party problem, it's not whether you're Republican or Democrat, it's a people issue. We’ve got to take care of the people in Mississippi. We want to have a healthier Mississippi.”
While mothers and babies suffer and Mississippi hospitals close or struggle to keep their doors open, the hospital closure governor has done nothing about the hospital crisis. Instead of supporting a solution staring him square in the face, Tate Reeves has blocked Mississippi from expanding Medicaid which has led to more hospital closures and higher health care costs for hard-working Mississippians.
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About Mississippi Democratic Party:
The Mississippi Democratic Party is dedicated to advancing progressive values, fostering inclusive policies, and promoting equal representation for all Mississippians. As the state's leading Democratic organization, we work tirelessly to build a strong and diverse coalition, advocate for meaningful change, and support Democratic candidates who champion social justice, economic fairness, and access to quality healthcare and education. Together, we strive to create a brighter future for Mississippi by ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts.