SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois Senate committee has discussed the Medicaid funding formula in preparation for a quick floor vote as early as Wednesday.

The Senate Human Services Committee reviewed the hospital assessment formula Tuesday after a House committee approved it.

Lawmakers have been negotiating with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association for nearly a year to update the funding plan in compliance with federal mandates.

Hospital association CEO A.J. Wilhelmi (will’-HEL’-mee) says the plan is essential for hospitals in low-income areas that serve primarily Medicaid patients. He says the modernized plan will use updated patient data and make some funding dependent on reimbursements from low-cost managed care organizations.

Democratic Sen. Heather Steans of Chicago is sponsoring the legislation. She says Senate action could quickly follow a House floor vote Wednesday.