Mo Senate Passes Medicaid Tax, Bill Now Goes to House

Missouri senators have passed a bill to renew a key Medicaid funding tax. Senators early Saturday morning voted 28-5 for the measure.

The bill now heads to the House. It advanced after hours of debate over a proposed amendment to block government funding for Planned Parenthood.

Some Republicans joined with Democrats to defeat the proposal 21-12.

The main bill is needed to renew a tax on hospitals and other medical providers. Money from the tax is used to bring down a significant chunk of federal Medicaid funding.

The measure also bans Medicaid funding for any medications used to induce abortions.

(From: Ozarks First/Associated Press)