A Senate panel is considering a proposal to expand Medicaid to about 70,000 low-income Montanans, this time with a focus on reducing the number of people in poverty.

Sen. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls presented House Bill 405 in the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee Friday.

The Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) Act would accept federal funds to expand Medicaid eligibility to low-income people. Unlike the governor-supported bill that died earlier this month, the measure would require those who enroll to pay monthly premiums and co-payments. They also would be asked to participate in a workplace assessment survey.

A crowd of supporters raised concerns about premium costs, but said expanding Medicaid would save lives and allow access to care before it reaches an emergency level.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM