Mississippi GOP Primary Results Reflect Opposition to Medicaid Expansion

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves remains opposed to the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), citing recent Republican primary election results as evidence of voter support for conservative policies against expansion. In the 2024 legislative session, the Mississippi House approved full Medicaid expansion, while the Senate proposed adding work requirements, but the lack of agreement prevented the bill from reaching the governor's desk.

Governor Reeves emphasized the impact of the federal "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which aims to reduce waste and fraud, asserting it raises costs and risks for Medicaid expansion in Mississippi. Recent primary election outcomes saw incumbent Republican senators who opposed Medicaid expansion winning their races, while those who supported expansion faced defeat or did not seek re-election. Reeves attributed much of the Medicaid expansion narrative to Democratic activists and organizations like the Mississippi Hospital Association.

With upcoming statewide and legislative elections, Reeves confirmed his continued stance against Medicaid expansion, aligning with former President Trump's opposition, maintaining a clear position in Mississippi's healthcare policy debate.