Democratic legislative leaders are raising the prospect of a special session to authorize an expansion of Medicaid.
Legislators in both parties have recommended expanding Medicaid eligibility under the federal health care law, though Republicans have joined G-O-P Governor Mike Pence in saying expansion is only an option within the framework of the state‘s Healthy Indiana Plan insurance program.
The state needs federal approval to extend HIP, and has scheduled required public hearings next week on its request.
Last month, the government advised the state it can‘t take any action until at least 30 days after those hearings. That‘s just a week before legislators must adjourn for the year.
Both the Senate and House Minority Leaders say they‘re concerned the state might have to either hold a special session or put off expansion for an extra year. The governor says he won‘t speculate on the steps required until he gets a yes or no on the waiver request.