Despite loud opposition from Democrats, the Senate on Wednesday endorsed a plan to require some Medicaid recipients to work for the health care they receive in a test program.

It endorsed HB211 in a preliminary 22-5 vote. A final vote is expected later in the week, which could send the bill to Gov. Gary Herbert for his signature.

Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, the Senate floor sponsor of the bill, said it would require fewer than 100 Medicaid recipients who are unemployed but able bodied and mentally sound "to contribute back in exchange for the services provided." He said it would require a federal waiver, and results would be watched to see if the pilot program should be expanded.

Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, said that is "morally wrong," and, "I have an issue with penalizing people who are poor."

Senate Minority Leader Ross Romero, also D-Salt Lake City, said, "I would rather have them using their time looking for jobs" so they could get off of Medicaid.

But Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Eagle Mountain, said the bill would have just a few people "step up and help the community that is helping them. I just don't get the opposition. ... I think this is a great thing to at least try."

Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, added, "You've got to try new things once in a while."