AARP in Your State

Mississippi Bulletin State News

March 2008

Bargaining for balance – In the state that ranks last in Medicaid spending for home- and community-based care, AARP Mississippi is calling for long-term care reform. AARP members from across the state are slated to convene at the state Capitol on March 6. Staff and volunteers will meet with lawmakers and urge them to support more funding for home- and community-based services, as well as legislation aimed at cutting down on identity theft and increasing the state’s tobacco tax while decreasing the food tax. In Mississippi, only 13 percent of Medicaid long-term care money goes toward home- and community-based services, far below the national average of 37 percent, according to an AARP study. For more on the status of long-term care reform and other issues, visit www.aarp.org/ms or call toll free 1-866-554-5382.