As lawmakers gear up for Thursday's deadline to finalize amendments to the state budget, more than 60 organizations are calling for the expansion of Medicaid to about 400,000 Virginians.
Medicaid expansion is an option states have under the federal Affordable Care Act. It's also an option many Republican lawmakers - and Governor McDonnell - have been wary of.
Wednesday, a day ahead of lengthy budget talks in the House and Senate, more than 60 organizations called on state legislators to move ahead with expansion.
House and Senate budget amendments announced earlier this week would require reforms to the Medicaid system before expansion could be approved. But those who support expansion say delaying it could cost the state in the long run.
So we can look forward to some impassioned debate on the floors of the House and Senate Thursday, as lawmakers finalize their budget amendments. Medicaid expansion will certainly be a part of that discussion.
