As originally proposed, the prescription drug bill would prevent those individuals enrolled in Medicaid from receiving the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that is created in the underlying prescription drug bill; those in Medicaid would only be eligible for drug coverage through the low-income health insurance program. During debate on the bill, Senator Rockefeller (D-WV) proposed an amendment which would have allowed low-income individuals enrolled in Medicaid to qualify for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. Had Rockefeller's amendment passed, Medicaid would have become the backup payor for Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Medicaid. Progressives favored Rockefeller's plan because, in their view, every advantage in health coverage should be provided to low-income individuals given their frequent inability to pay for healthcare. Republicans voted overwhelming against the Rockefeller amendment and with the help of four Democrats the proposal was rejected 43-55.