By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – The Missouri Senate passed legislation to overhaul the state's Medicaid system.
The priority bill for Governor Matt Blunt and Republican legislative leaders passed the Senate today on a 26-to-7 vote.
It would rename Medicaid as "MO HealthNet" and place greater emphasis on preventive health care.
Participants would receive credit for extra health care benefits if they try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Doctors also could receive higher state payments if they show a history of good patient care.
Missouri has about $825,000 people on Medicaid. The bill seeks to expand the number covered by managed health-care plans.
It also would match people up with health-care coordinators.
The legislation now goes to the House.