The pro-Medicaid expansion group, Oklahomans Decide Healthcare, seeking a public vote to expand Medicaid to low-income Oklahoma citizens, must first clear a legal challenge today in the state's Supreme Court against the conservative think tank, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

After hearing both sides, the Oklahoma Supreme Court will decide if the pro-expansion group can go after the 178,000 signatures they need to get the question on the 2020 ballot. Proponents of expansion point out eight hospitals in OK have declared bankruptcy with many closing their doors, and they say too many hard working citizens are not getting the life-saving care they need.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, after taking office earlier this year, said he wasn’t sure about expanding Medicaid in his state because he's concerned they may have to pay for it down the road, particularly if Washington D.C decides to end the program, and he said that would leave the state “holding the bag”. Although about 90% of the cost would be funded with federal dollars, critics say the state’s share of 10% would cost too much.