HELENA — Senators have voted to blast a Republican lawmaker’s Medicaid expansion bill out of committee and to the floor for debate.
The motion passed by a 28-22 vote on Thursday.
Sen. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls introduced Senate Bill 405 last week, touting it as a compromise bill.
The measure would accept money from the federal government for expanding Medicaid eligibility to low-income Montanans, but requires 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 higher-paying jobs.
Buttrey estimates about 45,000 Montanans would enroll in the program in the next four years.
The measure is set for a second reading floor debate and a vote on Friday.