Michigan Senate To Vote Today On Medicaid Expansion

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, flanked by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville R-Monroe, left, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, right, prepares to deliver his State of the State address to a joint session of the House and... Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, flanked by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville R-Monroe, left, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, right, prepares to deliver his State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) MORE LESS
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The Michigan Senate will vote today on expanding Medicaid under Obamacare.

There are three proposals before the Senate, according to the Detroit Free Press:

– Straight-up eligibility expansion to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. That would cover an estimated 400,000 Michiganders.

– An alternative proposal for the state to cover the entire cost of the expansion. Under the federal law, the federal government is supposed to pick up almost all of the expansion tab.

– An alternative proposal for low-income residents to purchase high-deductible insurance plans subsidized by the state.

According to the Washington Post, the first proposal is the only one likely to garner enough votes for passage. Up to eight Republicans would need to cross the aisle and vote alongside the united Democratic caucus to get the bill through the 38-member chamber.

The House has already passed an expansion bill, and Gov. Rick Snyder has said he supports expansion.

The Senate session begins at 12 p.m.

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