Dayton opts for Medicaid health expansion in Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is deepening Minnesota's

participation in the federal health care overhaul.

The Democratic governor is set to sign an executive order on

Wednesday that will expand the Medicaid program for vulnerable

adults.

Dayton's predecessor, Republican Tim Pawlenty, had declined the

expansion because he opposes the health care law. Republicans who

lead the Legislature are also wary of the move because it requires

additional general fund dollars in a time of deficits.

But Management and Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter says

Minnesota will come out roughly even on the expansion when all

state health care costs and savings are accounted for.

The Medicaid expansion will funnel more than $1 billion to

medical providers while covering 12,000 uninsured adults and

improving coverage for tens of thousands more.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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