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JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A bill that would expand Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of people across Mississippi has passed the House.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Healthy Mississippi Act, which would extend health coverage to individuals listed in the federal Affordable Care Act for at least the next four years.
The Republican-led House approved the bill by a vote of 98-20.
House Speaker Jason White spoke immediately after the bill passed.
“Currently, 40 states have coverage through the Affordable Care Act. If we don’t pursue health care options for our people, Mississippi will fall behind.” he said. “This is a smart investment in our people.”
The bill would extend benefits to individuals ages 19 to 64 who earn at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level and are employed at least 20 hours per week in a job with health insurance coverage. . Those who are not offered or enrolled full-time in a college or workforce training program.
The federal poverty level for 2024 is an individual’s annual salary of $15,060. According to Healthcare.gov, the federal poverty level for a family of two is $20,440.
Additionally, individuals ages 19 and 20 have access to all early and periodic testing, diagnostic, and treatment programs permitted by federal law. Additionally, individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 are eligible under federal law if they qualify for a state benefit package. Affordable Care Act.
“The desire to keep Mississippians in the workforce and out of emergency rooms transcends political parties and touches every region of our state,” he said. “Our commitment to improving access to health care is a critical piece of the economic puzzle because a healthy workforce supports a healthy economy.”
The program will be funded 90% by the federal government and 10% by a new tax on managed care organizations.
The bill was authored by White, Rep. Missy McGee (both Republicans) from the 102nd District, and Rep. O’Melia Scott (Democrat) from the 80th District.
“We know there is still a lot of work to do before we move on to the Senate,” McGee said. “Finding workable solutions to health care access beyond a decade of simply saying no will take effort. But I believe this is a task that members of both parties in both chambers must take on.” I believe.”
The bill includes a four-year repeal provision that would allow lawmakers to end or modify the program if it is deemed unsuccessful at that time. White told reporters the state will collect data on recipients to determine the program’s effectiveness.
The bill will now go to the Senate, where it will be assigned to a Senate committee by Lt. Governor Delbert Hoseman.
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