Religious leaders call on governor to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage

by

Lacey Alexander

• Published on February 28, 2023 • Comments

Religious leaders come together to advocate for the extension of postpartum Medicaid benefits at the capitol on February 27th, 2023.
Kobee Vance

One day after Governor Tate Reeves made a statement supporting the extension, representatives from Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant faiths all came together at the capitol to urge lawmakers to take action.

Lacey Alexander

Religious leaders call on governor to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage

During a press conference, Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson read a statement co-authored by himself and the Bishop from the Diocese of Biloxi.

"Our faith affirms the value of every human life," he read. "The commitment to life must not end at birth. We believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. One that is necessary for the flourishing of families and communities."

Reeves’ statement is a turn-around from previous stance, which he voiced at the State of the State last month. It was then he urged lawmakers not to quote "cave under the pressure of democrats" to expand government aid programs.

Minority Leader Robert Johnson is a representative from Natchez who has been an advocate for medicaid expansion. He says the governor has the power to extend postpartum coverage without the legislature.

"He could say to the state, look, I understand that we have some serious health outcomes," he said. "I understand that we got over 150,000 people, working people... who can't go to a doctor. Who can't afford a doctor."

House Speaker Gunn has said that he has not decided if he will allow a vote on the house floor or not.