Oklahoma Supreme Court weighs Medicaid case

OKLAHOMA CITY — The state’s highest court heard arguments on a plan to collect signatures for a public vote on whether to expand Medicaid Tuesday.

Nearly 178,000 signatures are needed to get the question on the ballot.

Supporters say the plan would add about $1 billion in federal funding a year into the state's health care system and help provide medical coverage to low-income Oklahomans who don't have health insurance.

Attorney Travis Jett, of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, is behind the challenge.

Jett argued that the petition is inaccurate and could perpetrate deceit and fraud.

Opponents say the state's share of the 9-to-1 federal match is too costly and could be increased later.

An attorney for supporters, Melanie Rughani, says the petition is accurate and urged justices to permit it to move forward to the signature-gathering stage.

The court didn't say when it will issue a ruling.