Editors note: This is the third of a four-day series previewing the major issues before the 2013 Montana Legislature, which convenes next Monday in Helena. The full series is posted online at Missoulian.com.

HELENA Once again, health care will be a contentious issue at the Montana Legislature and the biggest battle is likely over whether Montana approves new, federally funded health coverage for 60,000 people in the state.

Most Democrats and health care providers are solidly behind the proposal to expand Medicaid for low-income Montanans in 2014, funded by the federal health care reform bill passed three years ago.

Were talking about a billion dollars a year of new economic activity in the state, largely affecting the health care industry, says incoming House Minority Leader Chuck Hunter, D-Helena. I think that is a very telling story that is hard to ignore.

Supporters of the expansion say it will improve peoples health, help the states economy and cut costs, because those with insurance are more likely to visit a doctor or clinic than show up at a hospital emergency room for high-cost care.

But theyll be up against a Republican majority clearly skeptical, if not downright hostile, toward the idea of expanding government health coverage and the reach of Obamacare.

I have to wonder about the wisdom of increasing reliance on a federal government that cant seem to get its financial house in order, incoming Senate President Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, said.

The federal government is funding nearly all the costs of Medicaid expansion from 2014-17 and most of the costs for ensuing years. However, the state Legislature must approve the expansion and any state cost of administering it.

Its estimated the expansion would bring $210 million a year in federal funds to the state over the next 10 years.

A wild card in the Medicaid and health care debate is Gov.-elect Steve Bullock, a Democrat, who has steadfastly refused to say whether he supports expanding the program.

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Medicaid, health care issues likely to be contentious at 2013 Legislature