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Senate passes MO HealthNet

Missouri State Capitol.
(KWMU)
Missouri State Capitol.

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.

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