The Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative (MHC) recently brought together more than 250 leaders from across the state’s healthcare landscape for its inaugural statewide conference.
The three-day event in Jackson brought together hospital executives, Medicaid officials, physicians, policymakers, and health innovators to discuss the future of healthcare delivery and reform in Mississippi. Featured speakers included Gov. Tate Reeves, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Tom Price, State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney, Mississippi Medicaid Executive Director Cindy Bradshaw, and other senior officials representing hospitals and health systems statewide.
“The Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative has been a tremendous partner in our shared mission to strengthen healthcare across our state,” Reeves said. “Their leadership is helping ensure that Mississippians have greater access to the quality care they deserve. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger Mississippi for generations to come.”
The conference covered a range of pressing issues shaping Mississippi’s healthcare system, including hospital sustainability, Medicaid operations, PBM reform, 340B programs, Affordable Care Act dynamics, and innovations in telehealth and value-based care.
A key highlight of the conference was a payer-provider collaboration panel, where hospital and managed care leaders discussed strategies to improve coordination, reduce costs, and create stronger partnerships across systems. Panelists emphasized the need for aligned incentives and shared accountability to improve access and outcomes for patients statewide.
The event also featured a Legislative Outlook panel with 13 Mississippi lawmakers whose committees shape healthcare policy, followed by discussions with Medicaid officials outlining future priorities. The conference concluded with a forward-looking session on rural health transformation, spotlighting hospital leaders working to sustain care in small and underserved communities.
“We were very pleased with the turnout and participation at the conference,” MHC chair Kent Nicaud said. “Our speakers gave great insights touching a wide variety of subjects of interest to our attendees, from the Affordable Care Act, to healthcare information technology, to rural health facility concerns.”
MHC was launched as an alternative to the Mississippi Hospital Association in 2024 to address statewide access issues and policy reform. The collaboration currently represents providers across 78 of Mississippi’s 82 counties and serves a substantial share of the state’s patients.
