The plan would benefit around 200,000 of the 700,000 uninsured Missouri residents.

Dempsey says the Act targets the working poor who are not offered insurance coverage through their workplace.

Some Democratic critics say the bill would place too much power in the hands of the Insurance companies, rather than focusing on service itself.

Reporting from Jefferson City, Jessica Miller, KMOX News.

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 Intro: With only three and a half weeks left in the legislative season, the Missouri Senate continues debate on a new health care bill that would effect an estimated 200,000 Missouri residents.

Jessica Miller has more from the State Capitol.

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Sponsor of the bill, Republican Senator Tom Dempsey says the plan won't come free for eligable Missourians.  

That contribution is a co-pay from higher-income recipients, an expansion on the old Medicaid program.

One Democratic critic says the bill was designed to meet the interests of medical-care providers, including hospitals.

Reporting from the State Capitol, Jessica Miller, KMOX News.