House indicates it will pass Medicaid bill, with work requirements

The Montana House on Friday indicated it will pass a Medicaid expansion bill that adds work requirements to the program, just days after a federal judge struck down similar requirements in other states.

House Bill 658 cleared second reading in the House 61-39 and passed the House Appropriations committee Friday. It must clear a final House vote by Monday to meet a transmittal deadline.

The program that extends Medicaid coverage to more than 96,000 Montanans will sunset this summer unless lawmakers choose to continue it. Medicaid expansion covers those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or $17,236 for an individual and $29,435 for a family of three.

Republican Rep. Ed Buttrey, of Great Falls, is carrying the legislation, which was heavily amended Tuesday. After nearly two hours of debate on the House floor Friday, 19 Republicans joined with all Democrats in the House to vote for the bill.

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