Wrap: Republican Representative Jay Barnes' Medicaid expansion bill originally called for the elimination of the so-called "Ticket to Work" program.

But a week later, he pushed a bill extending the program until 2019 through his committee.

When asked why he now supports the program, Barnes said the newer bills serve as a back-up plan.

The program would expand Medicaid eligibility for some disabled workers who would otherwise not qualify for the program.

Missouri and other states must decide whether or not to opt out of the feds plan for Medicaid expansion and remain eligible for full funding.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck. 

Wrap: Republican Representative Jay Barnes first called for the elimination of the so-called Ticket to Work program in his Medicaid expansion bill.

But the following week he voted to restore the program as part of a set of bills meant to serve as a back-up should his original bill fail.

The Ticket to Work program expands Medicaid eligibility for some disabled workers who otherwise do not qualify.

Rehabilitation counselor Wayne Lee says it encourages people with disabilities to get jobs.

The most recent legislation would extend the program for another six years.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.