Sen. Emmett Hanger said he believes a final Virginia state budget can include Medicaid expansion.
But Hanger, co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a budget conferee, said accepting the federal funds for Medicaid expansion must be done without taxing Virginia hospitals.
The General Assembly adjourned Saturday without approving a final budget. The House version of the budget includes expansion of Medicaid, but would cover the commonwealth's 6 percent portion of the expansion by assessing Virginia hospitals.
"I'm willing to work out a plan if it is the right plan," Hanger said of Medicaid. He said the House version of the budget is "not one I can embrace."
