A Republican lawmaker's plan to expand Medicaid in Utah has passed its first hurdle in the state Legislature.
Republican Rep. Robert Spendlove's plan would expand the state and federal health insurance program to cover about 60,000 of the state's poor living just under the poverty level.
Spendlove's plan would require participants to work if they're able and would cap spending in the program so it doesn't overrun its budget.
The spending caps and work requirements have traditionally not been allowed in Medicaid but President Donald Trump's administration has offered to be more flexible with states.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports the House Business and Labor Committee approved the bill Thursday night, sending it to the full House for a vote.
The Senate must also approve the measure. Gov. Gary Herbert has said he supports the proposal.
