Medicaid Expansion Debate May Resume

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A top Wyoming lawmaker says the debate over whether to expand the federal Medicaid system in the state isn't over yet.

House Speaker Kermit Brown, a Laramie Republican, says House members will bring up amendments to the state's budget bill this week seeking to expand Medicaid to offer insurance coverage to thousands of low-income adults.

The Senate this month shot down a Medicaid expansion bill. That prompted House committee considering a similar bill to drop the matter.

Even so, Brown says, he will allow a full-throated debate on expansion in the House under the budget bill. Any difference between the final House and Senate versions of the bill would have to be resolved in conference committee.

Medicaid expansion is a key element of the federal Affordable Care Act.