General Assembly Continues Work on Budget Bills and MCC Priorities

The House and Senate this week continued their work on the budget for the next fiscal year. At the time of publication, the chambers were still working to finalize the appropriations bills before today’s constitutional deadline. 

In addition, the General Assembly is poised to pass legislation to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage for low-income women from 60 days to one year postpartum. It is estimated that 4,600 women would benefit from the increase in coverage. At the time of publication, SB 45, sponsored by Sen. Elaine Gannon (R-De Soto), was third read and passed after the House added several amendments. One of the amendments that was added contains provisions of SB 82, which allows a recipient of government assistance to maintain a level of transitional benefits in cases where an increase in the recipient’s income would otherwise cause them to lose access to the full amount of their benefits. 

In addition, the Senate was working to third read and pass SB 106, sponsored by Sen. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City). The healthcare bill would also extend postpartum benefits from 60 days to one year. 

We will have more information about these bills and the budget in next week’s Update.