A group of lawmakers, including leaders from both parties, recommended that the hearing be held so lawmakers can learn more about the advantages and drawbacks of expanding Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays the medical expenses of poor people.

The state's Medicaid program covers about 116,000 children, adults and disabled people. An expansion would add an estimated 48,000 people, mostly adults without children.

The hearing is one of several this week when the legislative session reconvenes Tuesday.

-AP