Beebe to talk with Sebelius about Medicaid ideas

— Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe is meeting with the Obama administration this week to see how much flexibility Arkansas may have as it decides whether to expand Medicaid’s eligibility under the federal health care law.

A spokesman said Beebe plans to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Friday while he’s in Washington for the National Governors Association meeting. Beebe is a Democrat who backs expanding Medicaid — but has faced resistance from the Republican-led House and Senate in Arkansas.

One of the ideas Beebe plans to discuss is whether Arkansans making just above poverty can purchase insurance on an exchange rather than go on expanded Medicaid.

House Speaker Davy Carter told reporters he hopes to get answers to questions lawmakers are seeking as they consider Medicaid expansion.

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