Senate GOP health bill seeks access without broad expansion

RALEIGH, North Carolina: Senate Republicans are floating legislation they say would offer medical access to more people in North Carolina without expanding Medicaid to able-bodied adults through the federal health care law.
The legislation unveiled March 26 from Sens. Joyce Krawiec and Dan Bishop would set aside $41 million to help 2,000 more people with developmental disabilities receive assistance through a current state Medicaid program.
The omnibus measure also would repeal certificate of need laws that require state approval before operating a new hospital, nursing home or hospice, or adding new services or equipment. The bill also attempts to provide more mental health service access.
The measure could illustrate what Senate Republicans will be seeking as Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, legislative Democrats and even some House Republicans negotiate to expand Medicaid broadly. AP