FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Senate has approved two bills that would give the Legislature more say on the federal Affordable Care Act's impact on Kentucky.
The measures would allow lawmakers to vote on whether Kentucky expands the Medicaid program and sets up a state-run insurance marketplace.
Both actions are currently at the discretion of Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear. He already green-lighted the insurance exchange but hasn't decided on expanding Medicaid, a program that covers groups of low-income people.
The Republican-controlled Senate voted Friday. Republican members said the federal law's role in Kentucky deserves discussion and input from state lawmakers. Democrats said Medicaid expansion and the exchange would serve Kentuckians.
The bills are expected to die in the Democratic-led House.
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The legislation is Senate Bill 39 and Senate Bill 40.
