Mississippi Medicaid expansion plan could struggle for bipartisan support, Democratic leader says

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Medicaid expansion plan endorsed by leaders in the Republican-led Mississippi Legislature could struggle for bipartisan support because it includes a work requirement that is unlikely to receive federal approval, the state House Democratic leader said Tuesday.

Approving the plan could create false hope among people who want Medicaid coverage but might not receive it, Rep. Robert Johnson told reporters after his party’s caucus met privately to discuss the issue.

“The Democratic Caucus in the House didn’t want to vote for a Medicaid expansion bill that was Medicaid expansion in name only,” said Johnson, of Natchez.

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.