From Our Partners: Joint Statement on Medicaid Expansion

Today, four of our trusted partners and allies in the work to ensure everyone in Mississippi has access to the resources they need to thrive issued a joint statement urging policymakers to expand Medicaid. You can read their statement in full below.

Joint Statement on Medicaid Expansion from the Foundation for the Mid-South, Phil Hardin Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Woodward Hines Education Foundation

As nonprofit and philanthropic organizations committed to improving the life outcomes of Mississippi’s children and families, we recognize that access to health care not only impacts the well-being of children and families but also is fundamental to creating a robust and sustainable economy.

Access to health care, especially for low-income families, is crucial for children’s growth and development, as well as their lifelong success. Regular check-ups and timely medical interventions are essential to children growing and developing optimally, enabling them to attend school and learn, thus improving their overall quality of life and contributing to their future success in the workforce. 

Just the same, a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. When families have access to health care, absenteeism due to illness declines. Additionally, preventive care and early intervention helps lower overall costs by addressing health issues before they become more serious and expensive to treat, directly impacting the financial security of families and the bottom line for businesses.

We are committed to improving the lives of Mississippians but cannot do this alone. Access to health care is essential to the prosperity of our children, families and state and we urge our policymakers to close the gap of care to create a thriving Mississippi for generations to come.