Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says it's time to move ahead with expanding Medicaid coverage in the state.

Inslee said Wednesday the expansion laid out under President Barack Obama's health care law is a good financial deal for the state. Republicans have expressed concern that the federal government may eventually lower its commitment to the program, leaving states paying the bill.

Inslee said he didn't believe Congress would make any major changes in the program during the coming years. And he said the state is free to leave the program without penalty if the federal government cuts its funding in the future.

House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt says his caucus was not opposed to the expansion but that lawmakers needed look at safeguards.