Governor Bill Haslam calls the revival of his plan to expand Medicaid “an encouraging sign,” though he doubts the legislation will get much farther.

The deal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans was shot down during a special session with the vote of just one specially-appointed committee in the state senate. But this week, a subcommittee of the Senate Health panel approved a bill from Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) that would allow Haslam to move forward. The vote was three to two.

Tuesday morning, governor told the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce that there’s a good chance the full Senate Health Committee will also approve. But beyond that, the path “gets a little trickier.” 

“I’m just being as honest as I can,” Haslam said.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told the Associated Press Monday night that he doesn’t anticipate a full vote on the measure.

“I’m not sure it ever gets to the floor, to be perfectly honest,” he said.

Going forward, Haslam says he plans to continue selling the idea to legislators and calming their concerns.

“I think our role is to continue to keep this discussion alive and to try to keep answering all of the questions that came up,” Haslam said.

The most pressing question from lawmakers is whether Tennessee could pull out of the arrangement if it starts costing the state any money. The federal government has given its assurances. And Tennessee hospitals have committed to picking up the tab for expansion. But Haslam also says voting for a measure related to Obamacare is just “a hard idea” for most Republicans.