JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Senate leaders on Friday said for the first time that they are willing to expand Medicaid to the full level allowed under a federal law signed 14 years ago by then-President Barack Obama.
But as part of negotiations with fellow Republicans in the House, key senators also continued to insist that any Medicaid expansion plan include a work requirement for recipients. Georgia is the only state with a similar requirement, and it is suing the federal government to try to keep the mandate in place.
The House has previously voted for an expansion plan that includes a work requirement. However, the House plan also said Medicaid expansion could still happen even if the federal government blocks the work portion.
Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the U.S., and advocates say covering tens of thousands more people with Medicaid — an insurance program paid by state and federal dollars — could help them manage chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
Elle Fanning puts on a leggy display as she changes into a silver sequinned gown with daring thigh
Watch where you're going! Heart
Ford recalls Maverick pickups in US because tail lights can go dark, increasing the risk of a crash
Linda Evangelista, 58, stuns in all
If you liked Baby Reindeer, stream these dark and...
Lawmakers want the Chiefs and Royals to come to Kansas, but a stadium plan fizzled
Jury finds Wisconsin man sane in sexual assault, killing of toddler
Chinese satellite detects over 100 solar white
Royal Family jokes about the Natural History Museum's 'Rex