State releases reports on Medicaid expansion

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Alaska's health department says the state would see savings by expanding Medicaid coverage to more Alaskans.

The department, in a report released Friday, says the state will be able to offset new costs associated with expansion by reducing or eliminating contributions to programs that provide health care to those who would be eligible for Medicaid. It cites as possible $6.1 million in savings next year, should the state opt for expansion.

The issue is expected to be debated by lawmakers.

Gov. Bill Walker campaign on the issue, and trumpeted the potential for 41,000 Alaskans to benefit from expansion as a big deal.