The U.S. Senate voted for a six-month, $16 billion extension of enhanced federal Medicaid funding by a slim 61-38 vote (60 needed for passage).  The vote comes after many failed attempts over the past several months leaving the provision, and many state budgets, in limbo.

The amendment will provide much-needed funding to state Medicaid programs freeing up resources for other state priorities.  Iowa’s state budget relies on nearly $120 million  in federal Medicaid funding that will now be available.

The package is scaled back from the original proposal making the price tag easier to swallow and garnering few, but enough Republican votes.  Iowa Senator Tom Harkin co-sponsored the amendment and voted Yea and Senator Charles Grassley voted nay.

The bill now travels back to the House for its approval.