Montana Warms to Health IT Funds

The Montana Senate has reversed a House plan to reject $35 million in federal money to help the state's hospitals and community health centers transition to electronic health records.

The Senate voted 27-23 earlier this week to endorse a budget proposal that includes accepting the federal EHR funding. But the line item is far from safe: The budget now goes back to a House and Senate conference committee to iron out differences, according to an Associated Press report.

Republicans in Montana's House took a hard line earlier this month, rejecting the money as an example of Washington's out-of-control spending. Some also expressed privacy concerns. Schweitzer drew a line in the sand as well, arguing health care statewide would suffer while Washington sent Montana's money to another state.

The Senate version of the budget still rejects federal funds for several social services programs, including food stamps and assistance for disabled residents, AP reports.