Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Senate Passes Medicaid Overhaul

Missouri senators approved a bill that would overhaul the state's Medicaid system tonight. The priority legislation for Gov. Matt Blunt and Republican legislative leaders passed the Senate on a 26-7 vote on Wednesday. It would rename Medicaid as "MO HealthNet" and place greater emphasis on preventive health care. Participants would receive credit for extra health care benefits if they try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A doctor also could receive higher state payments if she shows a history of good patient care.

Missouri has about 825,000 people on Medicaid. The bill seeks to expand the number covered by managed health-care plans. It also would match people up with health-care coordinators.
The legislation now goes to the House.

The bill is SB577.

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