Education vs. Medicaid = False Choice

The House Chairman of Appropriations’ letter to education leaders pitting education against expanding Medicaid omits a number of important facts in a way that is misleading to readers and presents a false choice between two of our state’s most critical priorities.  In reality, accepting the federal fundsFederal Funds are earmarked by the U.S. government for specific state programs. They are appropriated annually by the Mississippi Legislature, but must be spent in keeping with federal rules. Depending on the federal rules associated with each program, the Legislature may have more or less flexibility in how the funds are spent. that have already been allocated to our state to cover more of Mississippi’s working families through Medicaid is a great deal for the state of Mississippi.  It will help our economy, our state finances, and people’s health, and it will not take tax dollars from our schools.  Click here to read more.

MEPC is Hiring

MEPC is seeking to fill the dynamic and exciting position of policy analyst.  The analyst will work with a talented team to advance public policies that improve the quality of life for working poor families.  The analyst will author policy memos and reports, draft blogs and fact sheets, conduct community education on critical issues, and brief nonprofit leaders, elected officials and members of the media on findings.  The analyst will specifically be responsible for building MEPC’s capacity on issues affecting the economic security of vulnerable families such as, workforce development, access to post-secondary education, unemployment insurance, asset and economic development policies.

Policy Analyst MEPC Position Listing 2013 FINAL.

MEPC Statement on Proposed Delay in Medicaid DSH Cuts

Today’s Budget Proposal by President Obama that includes a suggested delay in Medicaid DSH cuts for one year elevates the urgency for moving forward with Medicaid expansion for three reasons:

1. If the delay is implemented, the initial cuts to hospitals will be much steeper than the ones currently scheduled to occur – and create more problems in local communities as hospitals manage the cuts.
2. Over $600 million in Medicare DSH cuts are known and scheduled to take place in Mississippi hospitals – regardless of today’s announcement.
3. Medicaid expansion remains an incredibly important opportunity.  Mississippi should accept the federal fundsFederal Funds are earmarked by the U.S. government for specific state programs. They are appropriated annually by the Mississippi Legislature, but must be spent in keeping with federal rules. Depending on the federal rules associated with each program, the Legislature may have more or less flexibility in how the funds are spent. and cover more hard working families so that they can get the care they need before they get sick – not in the emergency room.

Finally, it is important to note that today’s proposal is just a proposal – and still must go through Congress.

The Mississippi Health Advocacy Program partnered with Small Business Majority to release a new report that offers the small business perspective on Medicaid expansion.  The report reiterates a number of important points in favor of expansion:

Medicaid will create a… (read more)

Last week the blog examined wages in Mississippi with a close look at the median wage for different racial groups. There are significant differences in earnings between white and black workers in the state. In 2012, the median wage for… (read more)

The House Chairman of Appropriations’ letter to education leaders this week pitting education against expanding Medicaid omits a number of important facts in a way that is misleading to readers and presents a false choice between two of our state’s… (read more)

Written Testimony of Ed Sivak Hope Enterprise Corporation and Mississippi Economic Policy Center Before the Mississippi House of Representatives Medicaid Committee “Medicaid Expansion Hearing”
IntroductionOver the summer, the Supreme Court affirmed nearly all aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the federal health… (read more)

Testimony of Ed Sivak: Hope Enterprise Corporation and Mississippi Economic Policy Center (MEPC)Before the Joint Meeting of the Senate Public Health and Insurance Committees on “Medicaid Expansion”
Medicaid Expansion is a Good Deal• Creates over 9,000 jobs • Connects 310,000 Mississippians to health insurance
Not… (read more)