Mississippi Edition

Newly released Census data shows a population decline in the Magnolia State. We examine the the numbers with the State Data Center.

Then, American Rescue Plan is providing new opportunities for uninsured Mississippians to get healthcare coverage.

Segment 1:

The southern region of the Unites States grew in population over the last decade - that's according to recent date released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Every state - with the exception of one - saw population increases since 2010. The outlier? Mississippi. The Magnolia State lost about 0.2 percent of it's overall population - that's roughly 6,000 people. It is one of only three states nationally to experience a population decline.

The drop was not enough, though, to affect the state's Congressional apportionment. Mississippi will retain it's 4 congressional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Other southern states such as Florida and North Carolina will gain a seat, and Texas is gaining two. Mississippi lost a congressional seat following the 2000 census. Jamiko Deleveaux is with the State Data Center of Mississippi. He breaks down the data and the potential impacts of the latest Census with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 2:

The American Rescue Plan is providing new opportunities for uninsured Mississippians to get healthcare coverage. The Office of Medicare and Medicaid Services says a special enrollment period is now open with coverage beginning as soon as May 1st. Dr. LaShawn McIver (McEEVER) says the plan will lower premiums and become available to many of the nearly 400,000 Mississippians who don't have insurance coverage. She shares more on the special enrollment including reduced premiums and financial assistance for those at income levels who do not qualify for other subsidized plans.