9/4/13 - Michigan lawmakers have given final approval to legislation to make more low-income adults eligible for health insurance through the federal health care law, but Senate Republicans refusal to give it immediate effect is expected to cost the state more than $600 million dollars. The Medicaid expansion bill approved 75-32 Tuesday by the Republican-led House now heads to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who plans to sign it. However, newly eligible recipients would be covered starting in March instead of January because Senate Republicans refused to put the measure into effect immediately which will deprive the state of approximately $7 million dollars a day in federal funding. Medicaid expansion is part of a strategy to ensure nearly all Americans have health insurance under the 2010 Affordable Care Act. It was designed to cover the neediest uninsured people but became optional for states because of a Supreme Court decision. Michigan's plan includes GOP provisions requiring federal approval. Snyder says he has received "positive feedback" from the Obama administration that they will be approved. Both State Representatives from Livingston County; Bill Rogers of Genoa Township and Cindy Denby of Handy Township, voted to approve the expansion. State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township has been a vocal critic and voted against it. He was also among Senate Republicans who refused to give the bill immediate effect. About 6,000 Livingston County residents are expected to be covered under the bill. (JK)
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