Local lawmakers open to, but skeptical of, Medicaid expansion

Several Northeast Mississippi representatives say they’re open to the idea of Medicaid expansion after incoming House Speaker Rep. Jason White said he plans to consider it, although some lawmakers remain skeptical on committing money to the program. White, who will wield considerable power if chosen as speaker by fellow House Republicans in January as expected, told Mississippi Today last week that a conservative version of Medicaid expansion is possible. This is a notable break from previous statements by GOP state leaders, including outgoing speaker Rep. Philip Gunn and Gov. Tate Reeves, both of whom have stood firmly against Medicaid expansion.