Senate endorses compromise Medicaid expansion plan

Sen. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, voted no; Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, voted yes.

HELENA (AP) — Montana Senators have endorsed a Republican's compromise Medicaid expansion bill after voting to blast it out of committee and onto the floor.

Senators endorsed the measure 28-22 on Friday after more than 90 minutes of debate.

Sen. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls introduced Senate Bill 405 last week after a version backed by the governor was defeated.

The Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) Act would accept federal funds to expand Medicaid eligibility to low-income people but would require them to pay premiums each month as well as co-payments for certain services. Those who enroll would also be asked to participate in a workplace assessment survey designed to help people obtain better-paying jobs.

If it passes third reading, the measure will go next to the House for consideration.