Bullock: Open to all options on Medicaid expansion

HELENA (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock says he still believes it is important that Montana accept federal money to expand Medicaid for the working poor.

The Democratic governor said Friday that "everything is on the table" as advocates consider ways to expand Medicaid.

Possibilities include a 2014 ballot initiative or a special session of the Legislature.

State lawmakers in April rejected plans to use federal money to expand Medicaid to those less than 138 percent of the poverty level.

Opponents worried the state could eventually end up footing the bill.

But supporters that included hospital groups and others argue the federal money would help alleviate uncompensated care that drives up costs for others.

A provision of the federal health care law provides the bulk of the money for such expansion.