Questions facing Arkansas on Medicaid expansion

WHAT'S THE ARGUMENT AGAINST IT? — Republicans in general have opposed the expansion because they contend it would cost the state money at a time its Medicaid program faces a funding shortfall. While the federal government will cover costs for three years, the Republicans are skeptical that after the state gradually starts paying a share in the fourth year, it will top out at 10 percent, as promised. Some GOP leaders have pitched the idea of a partial expansion — covering fewer people than the health care law envisions, but federal officials say the state can't opt for partial expansion and receive full funding for the first three years.