Please join Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Bishop Louis Kihneman, III of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Bishop Brian Seage of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, Bishop James Swanson of the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church, along with leaders of other denominations and clergy and pastors throughout the state of Mississippi, in support of affordable healthcare.  We, along with Working Together Mississippi, support efforts to provide affordable health insurance to approximately 300,000 adults without health insurance in our state. These adults fall into the “gap.”  More than half of these adults have jobs, but their employers do not provide health insurance.  And while they earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, they do not earn enough to purchase insurance, or to qualify for assistance with their premiums through the Affordable Care Act. 
The MS-Care Plan proposed by the Mississippi Hospital Association would provide health insurance to adults in the “gap”.  It would also reduce by 40-50% the $660 million in uncompensated care provided annually by Mississippi hospitals, thus helping to save rural hospitals that are in danger of bankruptcy and closure. No doubt, there will be other plans proposed during the 2021 Legislative Session.  However, whatever plan is adopted should provide health insurance to all adults in the “gap” and help save our rural hospitals; saving rural hospitals saves rural communities.

• The Plan would extend Medicaid to individuals 19-64 years old earning up to $17,600 per year, or a family of four earning up to $36,150 per year, both of which are 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Potentially as many as 300,000 Mississippi would qualify.   Two-thirds are employed but do not receive health insurance through their employers and cannot afford to purchase health insurance.
• The Federal Government provides 90% of the funding.  The 10% matching funds would be provided by a $20/month premium by participants and by hospital contributions through Mississippi Cares.  No state funds are involved.
• The Plan would provide much needed income for struggling rural hospitals.  Already, six rural hospitals have closed, four have declared bankruptcy and several more are on the verge of bankruptcy.  This is because Mississippi hospitals provide $660 million in uncompensated care each year.  This burden would be reduced by 40-50%.
• The Plan would increase state general revenue funds by $50-100 million a year.
• It will create 19,000 jobs,increasing personal income in the state by over $600 million.
• Collectively, these benefits would provide an economic boost for the state and local communities by pumping $1 billion per year into the Mississippi economy.
• It will create a healthy workforce and save our rural hospitals.
• It is a win-win for everyone, and it is the right thing to do!

• A copy of the “Letter of Support” can be found at the Working Together Mississippi website, along with information on how to add a signature.  Just go to www.workingtogethermississippi.org and click the “Announcements” tab.
• Send letters, emails and call your elected officials!
• If you do not know your Senator or Representative, go to www.openstates.org for their contact information, both at home and at the Capitol when in session.  You will find their names, mailing addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.  
• And for more information on the Mississippi Care Plan, go to www.MississippiCares.org.

Thank you for reading this.  Please pray about it and see if you can participate.  It will be good for our Parishioners, our City of Canton, our Hospitals and for the State of Mississippi.
Fr. Mike O’Brienhttps://m.facebook.com/sacredheartcantonms/live