House Dems seek vote on Medicaid expansion

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Democratic House Minority Leader Scott Pelath wants House Republican leaders to consider expanding Medicaid before a key legislative deadline next week.

Pelath said Friday that Democrats would join Republicans to pass legislation crafted by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers. The bill would expand Medicaid using the same principles as the Healthy Indiana Plan.

Pelath's statement comes one day after Gov. Mike Pence hit the brakes on the measure. Pence met with a small group of top Republican lawmakers Thursday and asked them to hold off on the bill.

Pence filed a waiver with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week seeking to expand Medicaid using HIP. He is waiting for a response before approving any expansion.

Republicans outnumber Democrats 69-31 in the House.