Wisconsin Republicans criticized for rejecting Medicaid expansion

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- A group of senators and governors is calling out Wisconsin Republicans for their refusal to accept Medicaid expansion.

It comes after GOP lawmakers abruptly ended Governor Evers' special session to expand the BadgerCare program this week.

During a virtual event, Pennsylvania's governor touted how Medicaid expansion has been a lifesaving program for their rural and urban communities.

By not expanding Medicaid, Wisconsin lost out on $1.6 billion in federal aid.

Governor Evers says it was a mistake for Republicans to reject the funds.

"This is not creating a welfare state, as the Republicans would like to put it, it is creating better health care for Wisconsinites."

Republicans who have long opposed expansion called the latest attempt a political stunt.

They worry the federal money will dry up, forcing the state to pay a higher share for coverage.