Supreme Court to allow Medicaid expansion supporters to collect petition signatures

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) –  The Oklahoma Supreme Court says supporters of a plan to expand Medicaid to tens of thousands of poor people can begin gathering signatures to place the proposal on a public ballot.

The state’s highest court on Tuesday rejected legal challenges to the proposal just hours after hearing oral arguments, ruling that State Question 802 “is not misleading and is sufficient.”

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs had challenged the proposal , arguing that the proposed ballot language doesn’t accurately describe what the measure would do.

Supporters say the plan will add nearly $1 billion annually into the state’s health care system and provide coverage to people who don’t have health insurance. Opponents argue the state’s share of the 9-to-1 federal match is too costly and could be increased later.