SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A pared-down plan to expand Medicaid to Utah's poorest has picked up bipartisan support from lawmakers, including some who voted against broader plans last year.
The program approved by a House committee Monday evening would cover about 16,000 people who are homeless or in programs such as parole, probation or treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues.
The bare-bones plan would cost Utah about $30 million and cover fewer people than a plan proposed by Utah's governor last year that would have covered more than 100,000.
Republicans in Utah's House of Representatives rejected Herbert's plan last year, citing concerns that enrollment and costs would balloon.
The plan approved Monday comes from House Majority Leader Jim Dunnigan. It now awaits a vote from the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.