AUGUSTA, Maine - A Maine judge says Republican Gov. Paul LePage's administration must still file a plan to expand Medicaid as voters demanded despite ongoing litigation.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the order saying the executive branch's failure to follow the people's will could promote disrespect for laws.
The LePage administration on Monday countered that it is being forced to implement "massive new benefits'' that lawmakers haven't funded.
Last fall nearly 59 percent of Mainers voted to expand Medicaid to over 70,000 adults with incomes at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
LePage appealed a judge's order requiring his administration to submit a Medicaid expansion plan to the federal government by June 11.
LePage has said before Maine expands Medicaid, lawmakers must fund the state's share of the expansion cost under his terms.
Advocates sued arguing lawmakers can use unallocated surplus funds.
