House endorses bill to continue Medicaid expansion

By AMY BETH HANSON Associated Press

HELENA (AP) - The Montana House has endorsed a bill to continue the state's Medicaid expansion program while adding a work requirement.

Nineteen Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the measure 61-39 Friday. The bill was to be heard by the House Appropriations Committee Friday and needs a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate.

Republican Rep. Ed Buttrey said the program has been a success in improving the health and workforce participation of its recipients. He said his bill improves it by adding work requirements, strengthening an asset test and requiring Hutterite colonies to pay the state's share of their members' coverage costs.

Bill supporters rejected numerous proposed amendments during a two-hour hearing.

Conservative Republicans argued the bill was brought late, was substantially amended after a public hearing and an updated fiscal note wasn't available.