http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-874414.mp3
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor Jay Nixon says he's still determined to boost the number of poor Missourians eligible for Medicaid.
The Democratic governor failed to persuade the GOP-led General Assembly earlier this year to expand Medicaid coverage to 35,000. He says he'll try again when the 2010 session begins next month.
"We're looking for a number of options to make sure that (we'll) have the coverage," Nixon said. "Obviously it's a difficult budget time right now for us, and we have a challenging level of income on the state side."
Republican House leaders opposed expanding Medicaid coverage to, quote, "able-bodied adults," and touted a plan late in the 2009 session to provide 20,000 "uninsurable" Missourians with health coverage.
The 2010 session begins January 6th.