Medicaid expansion has been a contentious issue across the United States, especially under the Affordable Care Act, and in southern states like Mississippi. While some argue it increases access to health care for low-income individuals, others, including Republican Gov. Tate Reeves and Brown, raise concerns about its long-term economic sustainability, effects on state budgets, and potential impacts on the health care system.

“We have a little hospital, like a Band-Aid station. They still send us to another hospital, whether it’s Hattiesburg or New Orleans,” she said.