The legislation would have divided an estimated $639 million payment from the 2010 BP oil spill between state debt payments, coastal road projects and Medicaid. The bill passed the House April 28 and needed to pass the Senate committee to stay alive.
However, the Senate’s lack of action Tuesday means the bill cannot pass the current session, according to the report. The move endangers the state’s Medicaid program, which needs an additional $85 million to fulfill its obligations and install regional care organizations, which are intended to control healthcare costs for Medicaid enrollees, according to the report.
Senate President Pro Tem Adelbert Del Marsh (R) said the “divided chamber” couldn’t reach a consensus on the bill, and he is pessimistic about whether Medicaid will find the extra money it needs.
“Unless the governor calls us back for a special session, they’ll have to live within their means like the rest of us,” said Sen. Del Marsh, according to the report.
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