TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The Florida Senate has passed a bill that would take billions of federal dollars to give health insurance to half a million Floridians and added new measures to address criticism from the House.
A majority of Republicans supported the controversial health care bill Wednesday, which passed 33-3.
Earlier this week, state officials gave conflicting testimony with a state economist saying the plan would save money and top health officials warning it was unclear whether more or less people would gain coverage under the bill.
Instead of expanding Medicaid, recipients would get money to buy private insurance.
Sen. Aaron Bean said the plan will save $547 million and draw down $18 billion federal dollars.
About 800,000 Floridians are eligible, but an estimated 300,000 or 400,000 would not meet the work or school requirement and would not get coverage.
Gov. Rick Scott and House Republicans remain adamantly opposed to taking any money tied to so-called Obamacare.