BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The small group of Idaho lawmakers currently examining how to provide medical care to the estimated 78,000 Idahoans without health coverage remains split on the best solution, with many echoing the long-standing opposition to a proposal that involves accepting federal funding.

The nine-member group is tasked with reviewing Idaho's so-called Medicaid gap to come up with a solution before the end of the year.

Sen. Maryanne Jordan, a Democrat from Boise, urged the group to expand Medicaid — the federal health care program designed to cover the poor — in order for the state to provide the most comprehensive coverage to Idaho's vulnerable citizens.

However, several of her Republican committee members countered that Idaho should experiment with their own solution without relying on the federal government.

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