By SEAN MURPHY
Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A group seeking a public vote on whether to expand Medicaid to tens of thousands of low-income Oklahomans first must clear a legal challenge spearheaded by a conservative think-tank that has long opposed the idea.

A hearing is scheduled Tuesday before the Oklahoma Supreme Court on whether the group can proceed with gathering the nearly 178,000 signatures they will need to get the question on the ballot.

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs think-tank is challenging the proposal, arguing the proposed ballot language doesn't accurately describe what the measure does.

Supporters say the plan will infuse nearly $1 billion annually into the state's health care system and provide coverage to low-income Oklahomans. Opponents argue the state's share of the 9-to-1 federal match is too costly and could be increased later.

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