Utah’s governor on Monday signed legislation into law a limited Medicaid expansion plan, defying voters who approved a full expansion in November.
The bill signed by Gov. Gary Herbert (R) would cover far fewer people, and cost taxpayers more money, than the plan voters approved in November.
The new law calls for the state to ask the Trump administration for permission to launch a partial expansion of Medicaid for people earning up to 100 percent of the poverty level, rather than the 138 percent under ObamaCare.
In a statement, Herbert said the measure “balances Utah’s sense of compassion and frugality. It is now time to set aside differences and move forward to get those in greatest need enrolled on Medicaid and on the federal health care exchanges.”
The new plan is set to be implemented beginning April 1.
