HHS secretary: Rural health would improve if states expand Medicaid

Becker's Healthcare April 17, 2024
Andrew Cass

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra told a Senate panel that rural health outcomes would improve if more states expanded Medicaid, The Hill reported April 16.

There are 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Mississippi is one of them. One of the state’s senators, Cindy Hyde-Smith, told Mr. Becerra that she is worried about maternal care deserts caused by hospital closures, according to the report. She said the state has some of the worst maternal health outcomes in the country and often leads the country in infant mortality.

Mr. Becerra said that while telehealth access is important and Congress should continue HHS’ pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities, the women of Mississippi would be better served under Medicaid expansion,...

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