LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lawmakers have unveiled a new plan to cover the so-called Medicaid gap population in Nebraska, but the proposal faces a steep uphill climb.

The measure announced Tuesday was hailed as a bipartisan approach to cover an estimated 77,000 low-income people, with optional job-training referrals for those who qualify.

The bill would use federal Medicaid dollars to buy private health coverage for residents without access to an employer-sponsored plan, and would pay a worker’s share of premiums if an employer does offer coverage. People deemed medically frail would receive coverage through the state’s current Medicaid program.

Sen. John McCollister of Omaha, a leading sponsor, says it would help the state economy.

But leading opponents say at least 18 senators are against the proposal, enough to block the bill in the Legislature.