LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A divided legislative committee has advanced a proposal that would use federal Medicaid dollars and state money to provide health insurance to low-income Nebraska residents.
Senators voted 4-3 on Thursday on the newest version of a bill intended to cover childless adults who have fallen into the so-called Medicaid coverage gap.
Supporters have proposed an automatic three-year sunset on the program and an independent review of its fiscal impact so that lawmakers and the governor could decide whether to continue it. The federal government would cover most of the costs, but the state would draw $63 million over three years from Nebraska's health care cash fund.
Opponents, including Gov. Pete Ricketts, say the proposed changes aren't sustainable and would divert money from other state priorities.
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