Medicaid expansion is coming to Virginia after the states legislature approved a bill Wednesday that would provide health coverage to as many as 400,000 low-income residents of the Old Dominion.

The majority-GOP General Assembly passed the measure with the votes of all Democratic legislators along with a minority of Republican lawmakers, bringing to a close the six-year debate over whether Virginia should accept funding from the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), who campaigned in favor of Medicaid expansion last year, will sign the legislation.

This budget is the culmination of five years of effort to bring our taxpayer dollars home from Washington and expand Medicaid. As a doctor, Im so proud of the significant step weve taken together to help Virginians get quality, affordable care, Northam said in a news release.

Once the bill becomes law, Virginia will join 32 states and the District of Columbia in expanding Medicaid. Almost 400,000 Virginians may qualify for health coverage as a result, according to the states Department of Medical Assistance Services. Benefits will become available at the beginning of next year, Northam told WTOP-FM Wednesday.