The battle has been joined in Missouri over Medicaid with publication of a new study that says expansion of the program would bring billions in benefits. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., took a strong stand in favor of the measure Wednesday and Gov. Jay Nixon, as expected, has highlighted his support for Medicaid expansion as well.

Leaders in the health care community are also turning up the volume as the Affordable Care Act takes hold, putting pressure on legislators to act.