Medicaid Expansion: A Lifeline for Mississippi’s Families and Economy
As a retired nurse and a stroke survivor, I’ve seen and experienced firsthand how access to healthcare can mean the difference between life and death.
While traveling out of town with my 17-year-old daughter, I suffered a stroke while alone with her in our hotel room. Acting quickly, she did the right thing and called 911. When EMS arrived, I was in denial and convinced them I was fine, so they left without providing care. But my daughter knew something was seriously wrong. Refusing to give up, she sought help from the hotel manager, who helped get a second EMS team dispatched. By the time I finally arrived at the emergency department, too much time had passed for me to receive the critical medications that could have reversed my symptoms.
The hotel lacked a Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (CERP), and the initial EMS team wasn’t adequately trained to recognize and manage a stroke patient in denial. If either had been in place, my recovery could have been significantly faster.
During my years caring for patients across Mississippi, I saw people delay critical care—not because they didn’t need it, but because they couldn’t afford it. That’s a reality too many hardworking Mississippians still face today.
Right now, thousands of our neighbors—including small business owners, farmers, and veterans—fall into what’s called the “coverage gap.” They earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. As a result, they skip routine checkups and preventive visits, go without necessary medications, and delay life-saving treatments. The mindset is often, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But waiting until a health issue becomes an emergency—something I’ve experienced firsthand—only makes things worse.
The reasons for these delays vary: cost, time off work, family obligations, transportation challenges, and even fear. Even those fortunate enough to have insurance often face the hurdle of copays, which are often required up front. When forced to choose between paying for a doctor’s visit and putting food on the table, survival instincts take over. Groceries will always come first.
Mississippi is leaving billions in federal funds on the table—money that could strengthen our hospitals, support local businesses, and improve healthcare access for everyone. Rural hospitals, many of which are struggling to stay open, rely on Medicaid reimbursements. When they close, it’s not just the uninsured who suffer—everyone loses access to nearby emergency care.
Expanding Medicaid isn’t just about compassion; it’s about fiscal responsibility. When people can get preventive care — like managing high blood pressure or diabetes — we avoid costly emergency room visits and long-term complications that drive up healthcare costs for everyone. Healthy people are productive people, and that benefits our entire state.
Preventative care should also be integrated into the workplace, allowing employees to access medical care without the stress of scheduling conflicts or lost wages. Prioritizing wellness in the workplace not only supports employees’ health but also enhances productivity, ensuring they can perform at their best.
I urge Mississippi lawmakers to do what 40 other states have already done: expand Medicaid. This isn’t about politics; it’s about doing what’s right for our families, our workforce, and our economy.
I invite you to join me and other advocates with the American Heart Association in supporting this effort. Talk to your friends, your family, and your community about why Medicaid expansion matters. And if you want to take action, simply text “BETTER” to 46839 to stay informed and get involved.
Mississippians deserve better. Let’s make sure everyone has access to the care they need before it’s too late.
Pat Barber is a retired nurse and stroke survivor from Brandon, Miss.