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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Senator Dianne Feinstein votes yes on health care bill, addresses Medicaid shortfall

US Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) talks with reporters after attending the Democrats' weekly caucus which was addressed by Former US President Bill Clinton discussing health care legislation on November 10, 2009 inside the Capitol in Washington, DC.
US Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) talks with reporters after attending the Democrats' weekly caucus which was addressed by Former US President Bill Clinton discussing health care legislation on November 10, 2009 inside the Capitol in Washington, DC.
(
TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images
)

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Senator Dianne Feinstein votes yes on health care bill, addresses Medicaid shortfall
Senator Dianne Feinstein votes yes on health care bill, addresses Medicaid shortfall

The Senate worked again this weekend, voting to end debate on a health care bill. The 60-40 vote squeaker came after a snowstorm closed down much of the region. The bill’s moving forward, but California’s Governor has some concerns.

The problem is that the health care bill would include more people in the Medicaid program, which is partially funded by the state.

Governor Schwarzenegger says that’ll cost California an extra 3 billion dollars a year.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein says she’s aware of the problem. "I’ve seen the Governor’s numbers," she says, "and it’s a worst case scenario. So hopefully, that’s not going to happen and we have some time to deal with it."

Senator Feinstein says Medicaid would be fully funded until 2016 – enough time to find future funding before California has to pick up the extra costs.

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