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Senate approves Medical Benefits Recovery Amendment, sends SB50 to the House
Summary
Senate Bill 50, aiming to recover certain Medicaid funds spent on long-term care, passed third reading after brief debate; proponents described it as fair notice to heirs and a deterrent to estate-planning strategies that shift Medicaid costs.
The Utah Senate passed Senate Bill 50 on third reading and sent it to the House for further action. Senator Christensen explained that the bill helps the state recover Medicaid funds spent for certain individuals in long-term care, providing notice to heirs and preventing estate-planning "gaming" of Medicaid eligibility.
Senator Stevenson and another speaker explained their support, stating the bill gives heirs fair warning and reduces incentives to manipulate benefits. Stevenson said the measure protects heirs and helps families understand obligations earlier rather than after benefits lapse. On the floor, several senators offered brief explanations of their votes and the motion carried; the President announced the tally as 22 yes, 7 no and 0 absent.
SB50 will be transmitted to the House; the Senate record notes a prior lengthy debate in committee but no further floor amendments were requested at this session.
