Neb. Medicaid Expansion Bill Headed to Legislature - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill to expand Nebraska Medicaid coverage has advanced for debate in the Legislature, and supporters are building their case in anticipation that Gov. Dave Heineman will veto.

The debate that could pit Heineman against the Legislature has more than a dozen sponsors. The lead introducer, Sen. Kathy Campbell, says she's "very confident" that backers have at least 25 votes to push it through the Legislature.

But Campbell says she will still work to persuade colleagues that the expansion would benefit the entire state. It's unclear whether supporters have the 30 votes needed to override Heineman's likely veto.

Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha says the proposal will create a net savings for the state.

AARP commissioned a study that shows 53 percent support.