11/6/20 - Rising COVID-19 Cases | Banking Hurdles for Medical Marijuana | Medicare Enrollment

Mississippi Edition

Coronavirus cases are surging nationwide. We check in with the Medical Association on the status of the pandemic in the Magnolia State.

Then, Mississippians overwhelmingly voted to approve a medical marijuana program. But the federally controlled substance will create banking hurdles for all involved.

Plus, we speak to the Commissioner of Insurance about Medicare enrollment.

Segment 1:

While many eyes are on the tabulation of votes in key swing states of Tuesday's election, the pandemic problem in the United States is becoming more severe. Yesterday, there were over 120,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. - a new single day high for the country. Over 1,600 of those cases were reported in Mississippi - marking the state's highest single day report since July 30th. The health department says the number also includes some backlogged cases.

But Dr. Claude Brunson with the Mississippi Medical Association says the rate of infections is climbing. He tells our Desare Frazier it could take another statewide mask mandate like the one in August, to reduce infections.

Segment 2:

As the process to develop a medical marijuana program in Mississippi begins, bankers are warning people who want to get involved in the industry about a lack of access to banking for legal cannabis companies. Since marijuana is still federally illegal, all money generated by cannabis-related businesses are considered illegal funds -- even if that business operates in compliance with state law. Gordon Fellows is CEO and President of the Mississippi Bankers Association. He explains the financial hurdles of the medical marijuana program with our Ashley Norwood.

Segment 3:

The open enrollment period for Medicare runs through December 7. Seniors have the chance to update Medicare health or prescription coverage during this time. Medicare is a federal insurance program comprised of four parts that is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. And while the Mississippi Department of Insurance does not regulate Medicare plans, Commissioner Mike Chaney says his department is there to assist Mississippians who have questions about enrollment.

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