Lawmakers weigh 'private option' amendments

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers are looking at amendments to the funding bill for the state's compromise Medicaid expansion in the hopes of drawing enough support to keep the program alive.

A legislative subcommittee planned to meet Wednesday afternoon to look at proposals aimed at swaying opponents of the "private option" Medicaid expansion that was approved last year. Under the private option, Arkansas is using federal Medicaid funds to purchase private insurance for thousands of low-income residents.

Reauthorizing the program requires a three-fourths vote in the House and Senate. Supporters say they don't have enough votes in the Senate yet.

Legislative leaders, however, say they want act soon on the funding bill and a vote could come in the House as early as Friday.

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