JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Calls for Medicaid expansion filled the Mississippi State Capitol for the second consecutive day. On Thursday, the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) voiced their support.

The future of Medicaid expansion is in the Mississippi State Senate. The House passed its expansion bill in February 2024. The Senate has indicated that they will develop its own plan separate from the House.

State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said he’s confident that the House and Senate leaders will agree on a plan.

“We’re going to take care of folks no matter what, but as that gap is closed by our elected officials, it funds public health. We have to agree. We have a problem. Can we agree that we have a problem? If we can agree that there’s a problem, then we can come to the right solutions. If we just all agree this is a problem that deserves attention that will be fixed, I have faith that they will come together with something meaningful,” said Edney.

The Senate faces a deadline of April 2 to get a plan out of committee.