Senate failure to act on Medicaid expansion disappointing

The Expand Michigan coalition, which inclues AARP Michigan, issued the following statement after the state Senate adjourned for summer recess without taking a vote on Medicaid expansion legislation:

“We are disappointed the Senate has failed to pass or even allow a vote on this legislation, supported by business, health care and consumer groups, that would help reduce the hidden tax of uncompensated care cost shifting and bring health coverage and greater personal responsibility to 450,000 working men and women in Michigan.

“The strong bi-partisan vote for the legislation in the House, along with polls showing widespread support from Michigan voters for reforming and expanding Medicaid, had led us to expect a better result, or at the very least a simple up or down vote on the bill.

 “We and our members agree with Gov. Rick Snyder when he says the Senate should ‘take a vote, not a vacation’ and pass the bill. Regardless, we will continue to work with the governor and members of the Senate to further discussions in coming weeks that will result in a positive outcome.”