It’s been more than 10 years in the works, but legislation designed to let disabled people go to work without losing the very Medicaid coverage that enables them to do so just passed the House unanimously. Last year, similar legislation passed the Senate, but didn’t get a hearing in the House.

The plan costs a little money - $233,900 next year and about $400,000 the following year. Disabled Medicaid recipients who go to work or increase their hours or pay would pay premiums on a sliding scale, rather than losing their coverage entirely. During the House debate, House Speaker Bruce Newcomb told the House, “Of all the things we spend money on in this place, these are the best dollars we could possibly spend.”

The 65-0 vote on HB 664 makes it highly likely to now go all the way – pass the Senate, get the governor’s signature and become law.

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