AUSTIN (AP) - A Republican lawmaker says she plans to file legislation seeking federal permission for Texas to bypass some Medicaid requirements.

In addition to a temporary waiver request, Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, of Brenham, said she plans to pursue a health care agreement between the states and the federal government. She said she would offer details in the coming weeks.

Kolkhorst spoke alongside Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and members of a conservative think tank who were decrying the growing costs of Medicaid. The state-federal cost sharing program provides health care to needy Texans.

Arlene Wohlgemuth, executive director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said Medicaid was a ``failed program and it is unsustainable.'' She proposed another state-driven program to replace Medicaid.

Dewhurst said he's supportive of any free-market efforts to improve Medicaid.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)