JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – A recent report from the Wall Street Journal showed that Americans across the country are relying more on government assistance programs, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

The report showed that seniors and the rising cost of healthcare are the reasons why more people are relying on the programs.

State Economist Corey Miller said Mississippians are most reliant on SNAP benefits and the Medicaid program.

“If you look at another means tested program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, used to be called food stamps, Mississippi has about probably around 14% of participation as of 2022. That’s higher than the U.S. average. Again, it was below some other states, and I think some of that is a little bit skewed depending still because of the pandemic,” he said.

Miller said nearly 24% of Mississippians are enrolled in Medicaid. He said that it’s a high rate but not as high as surrounding states like Arkansas and Louisiana.

Miller said he counted 55 counties in Mississippi where the share was 30% or more in government transfers consisting of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other support programs. The U.S. average in 2022 was about 18%.

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