Medicaid Bill Cruising Through Senate

A bill that cuts $35 million from state Medicaid funding is now cruising through the Senate.  Republicans on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday sent it to a full chamber vote.  It results in a total loss of $108 million, including federal matching funds.  It's been the subject of hours of debate this year, but tepid state revenue and the Republican-dominated Legislature's reluctance to boost taxes has necessitated chipping further away at this health care program for poor and disabled adults, children and elderly people. In Tuesday's Senate hearing, Democrat Les Bock of Boise suggested slashing Medicaid would produce costs elsewhere in the public safety net.