Dayton opts for Medicaid health expansion in Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Tea party protesters crowded into Gov.

Mark Dayton's office as he deepened Minnesota's participation in

the federal health care overhaul.

The Democratic governor was both booed by protesters and cheered

by supporters during a Wednesday news conference to sign an

executive order expanding the Medicaid program for vulnerable

adults. Dayton turned the podium over to opponents after he spoke.

Dayton's Republican predecessor declined the expansion.

Republicans are wary because it requires additional general fund

dollars in a time of deficits.

Minnesota officials say the state 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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