Medicaid Expansion Bill Clears Michigan Senate

The Michigan Senate passed a bill yesterday to expand the state's Medicaid program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Earlier this year, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a version of the bill to appropriate $1.7 billion in federal funding in the next fiscal year to extend the program. The proposal had divided Michigan's Republican senators. Sen. Majority Leader Randy Richardville declined to hold an up or down vote on the bill in June, opting instead to form a bipartisan workgroup to update the legislation over the summer.

Republican Gov. Rick Snyder — who has advocated for Medicaid expansion — praised state lawmakers for passing the bill, saying it will boost the economy and save tax dollars in addition to providing healthcare coverage to 470,000 people, according to a news release.

The bill will now go back to the House for approval of the Senate's changes, such as the addition of a section requiring the director of the state's community health department to submit a recommendation to the Senate majority leader, the speaker of the House and the state budget office concerning how to determine Medicaid eligibility and enrollment.

More Articles on Medicaid Expansion:
Michigan Gov. Snyder Continues Push for Medicaid Expansion
Missouri Rejection of Medicaid Expansion Creates Coverage Gap
Louisiana Seeks to Continue Medicaid Program in 2014