Senate in Kentucky passes Medicaid reform legislation

The Kentucky Senate approved House Bill 695 in an 11th-hour vote, bringing reforms and adding a work requirement to the Medicaid program. The bill aims to improve budgeting and efficiency, with proponents highlighting the need for oversight and accountability in managing federal dollars spent on Medicaid. However, Democrats raised concerns about the timing of changes and the potential impact on Medicaid recipients. Senator David Yates expressed worries about potential healthcare access issues resulting from the bill, drawing parallels to a past unsuccessful effort by former Governor Matt Bevin to implement work requirements for Medicaid. With about 1.4 million Kentuckians on Medicaid, many using it for substance abuse and mental health care, the bill has stirred debate over its potential effects on the state’s most vulnerable populations. The fate of the bill now lies with Governor Andy Beshear, who may veto it, setting up a potential battle for override in the legislature.

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