The Latest: Medicaid officials surprised by budget language

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(AP) — The Latest on the ethics trial of Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard (all times local):

3:40 p.m.

State Medicaid officials say they opposed Medicaid language temporarily inserted in the 2013 budget that could have benefited a client of House Speaker Mike Hubbard.

Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar testified Thursday that Medicaid officials were caught off guard by language added in the House setting requirements for any pharmacy benefit manager the state might hire.

Former State Health Officer Don Williamson testified that he was “surprised” when he learned Hubbard had a consulting contract with the only company that would qualify for the work. Williamson said Hubbard agreed to remove the language when Medicaid officials raised concerns.

On cross-examination, defense lawyer Bill Baxley tried to suggest that a former lawmaker, who has already pleaded guilty to an ethics violation, was responsible for

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