MONTGOMERY — Democrats in the Legislature are urging Gov. Robert Bentley to reconsider his decision not to expand Medicaid in Alabama under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Bentley said last year he wouldn’t increase enrollment on the program that provides healthcare to more than 900,000 low-income Alabamians, including children, because it would be too costly for the state long term. More than $600 million general fund dollars will be spent on Medicaid this year.

Proponents of the expansion say it would benefit more than 300,000 working Alabamians and most of the initial cost would be picked up by the federal government.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, sent a letter to Bentley on Friday asking him to reconsider his position.

The 2013 legislative session begin Tuesday. Democrats have said they’ll unveil their agenda on Feb. 12.