By Ron Smith
Frankfort, KY – Senate president David Williams noted the end of last week work on Medicaid solutions will take up some time this week. Governor Beshear has suggested moving $166 million set aside for the second year of the Medicaid budget to the first year to help fill a $600 million shortfall. Beshear has also stressed increasing efficiencies through managed care. Senate majority floor leader Robert Stivers says off the floor' discussions are underway
"Even though it may not be here on the floor or in committee there is work being done on that this week, hopefully because of the short session, there will be a lot of discussion on it because that's probably one of the bigger issues during the time that we are here," says Stivers.
Stivers says the governor's office was expected to brief house and senate leaders on the Medicaid proposal late Monday. Stivers says senate republicans do not have a specific alternative Medicaid plan at this time.