Wis. governor calls special session on Medicaid

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker has called a special legislative session to extend the deadline for moving 77,000 people off Medicaid.

Walker says he wants to see the deadline moved to April 1. That would give people more time to get insurance through the online exchange created under the federal health overhaul. Walker had given the 77,000 until Dec. 15 to use the exchange, but the website has been fraught with problems.

The state Senate’s leader says he’s not on board with Walker’s plan. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, a Juneau Republican, told The Associated Press he believes the Legislature should vote on a monthly basis on whether to extend the deadline.

Walker has tightened Medicaid eligibility, forcing 77,000 people off the program. That had been set to happen on Jan. 1.