BOISE — The Senate has approved Medicaid expansion legislation that removes able-bodied recipients from coverage if they fail to meet work requirements.
The Senate voted 19-16 Friday on the legislation that's a compromise bill now headed to Republican Gov. Brad Little for his consideration.
The bill was amended in the House to remove able-bodied people who didn't meet work requirements. The previous Senate version allowed those people to retain Medicaid coverage but required a copay to receive medical care.
Voters authorized Medicaid expansion with an initiative in November that passed with 61% after years of inaction by the Legislature.
The expansion will provide access to preventative health care services for an estimated 91,000 low-income residents. The federal government would cover 90% of the estimated $400 million cost.
