JEFFERSON CITY (AP) – A Missouri Republican who supports Medicaid expansion will introduce a bill that would cover veterans and their families.

Missouri residents with incomes below the federal poverty level, or $19,530 for a family of three, do not qualify for Medicaid or for subsidies to buy health insurance through a federally run website.

Sen. Ryan Silvey, of Kansas City, says that group includes veterans’ families. He plans to introduce a bill expanding Medicaid for veterans that fall in the coverage gap created by Missouri’s decision not to expand the program.

Silvey says he still supports a broader Medicaid expansion but doesn’t want to leave veterans in a lurch if those proposals do not move forward this year.

Republican leaders have said Medicaid expansion is unlikely this session.