MADISON - Governor Scott Walker rejected federal money for Medicaid expansion, but some counties feel differently.

Twenty Wisconsin counties want the state to be a conduit for federal health care funds.

The counties want to negotiate directly with the federal government for low-income health care dollars.

The counties have sent a letter to state health secretary Kitty Rhoades, asking for the option.

The Republican Legislature went along with Walker's budget, rejecting 12-billion dollars in federal money over 10 years.

Instead, Walker's plan would increase the number of BadgerCare recipients, while tightening income restrictions for others.

(Copyright 2013 Associated Press - All Rights Reserved)