SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a plan to scale back a voter-approved Medicaid expansion despite protests that it slashes the measure that passed at the ballot box.
Herbert says in a statement Monday that the proposal balances compassion and frugality in a "humane and sustainable" way.
He says it's time to set aside the contentious debate and move forward.
Supporters of the original ballot measure, though, have said lawmakers turned their backs on thousands of people who won't be eligible for Medicaid under the Legislature's plan.
Lawmakers say changes are needed to keep costs under control, and people not eligible for Medicaid can buy federally subsidized insurance.
It hinges on federal waivers that would allow a reduction in the number of people covered and the addition of work requirements.
