By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – A leading architect of the plan cutting thousands of Missourians off Medicaid is leaving the Legislature to work for Governor Matt Blunt.
Republican House member Jodi Stefanick of Manchester will become Blunt's senior adviser on health care policy.
Stefanick will make the move at the end of the veto session next month.
This year, Stefanick helped lead the Legislature's effort to scale back the state Medicaid system.
The plan eliminates Medicaid coverage for more than 90,000 of the state's 1 million recipients.
Hundreds of thousands more will receive fewer benefits while paying more through premiums, co-pays and personal medical expenses.
The appointment also means a special election will be called to replace Stefanick in the House.