Maryland governor hears plea for Medicaid expansion

Healthcare advocates have implored Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley to continue a planned expansion of the Medicaid program even as he is expected to severely cut the state's budget to fill a huge budget shortfall. O'Malley indicated he may not be able to fully fund the healthcare expansion in the budget he submits to the General Assembly, though he noted that a federal stimulus package in the coming weeks could change his plans. Many states, faced with deficits brought on by the national recession, are considering Medicaid cuts to balance budgets.