Arkansas AG OKs Wording Of Medicaid Ballot Measure

The attorney general's office has approved the wording of a ballot measure that would allow voters to decide whether Arkansas can use federal Medicaid dollars to offer private insurance to thousands of low-income residents.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's office on Tuesday certified the proposed referendum submitted by tea party activist Glenn Gallas on the "private option" law approved earlier this year. McDaniel's certification clears the way for supporters to start gathering the 46,880 signatures needed to place the measure on next year's ballot.

Arkansas lawmakers approved the private option earlier this year as an alternative to the Medicaid expansion under the federal health care law. The idea sharply divided Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Arkansas still must get federal approval for the plan.