House Dems seek vote on Medicaid expansion

Associated Press

TOM LoBIANCO,Associated Press

Updated: Feb 22, 2013 4:36 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Democratic House Minority Leader Scott Pelath wants House Republican leaders to consider expanding Medicaid before a key legislative deadline next week.

Pelath said Friday that Democrats would join Republicans to pass legislation crafted by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers. The bill would expand Medicaid using the same principles as the Healthy Indiana Plan.

Pelath's statement comes one day after Gov. Mike Pence hit the brakes on the measure. Pence met with a small group of top Republican lawmakers Thursday and asked them to hold off on the bill.

Pence filed a waiver with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week seeking to expand Medicaid using HIP. He is waiting for a response before approving any expansion.

Republicans outnumber Democrats 69-31 in the House.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.