PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine’s Republican governor plans to appeal a state judge’s ruling that lays out a timeline to implement Medicaid expansion as voters demanded in 2017.

Justice Michaela Murphy ruled Wednesday that Gov. Paul LePage’s administration has until Dec. 5 to adopt regulations rolling out Medicaid expansion for Mainers who applied starting July 2. Murphy said Maine can rely on existing health care funding to expand Medicaid.

The judge said LePage can’t ignore the people’s will, even though he may disagree with Medicaid expansion.

LePage’s administration urged federal regulators to reject Maine’s court-ordered Medicaid expansion plan.

LePage wants lawmakers to cover Maine’s expansion costs with a long-term source, like a hospital tax.

Expansion supporters say other states have passed expansion without specifying funding.

Democratic Gov.-elect Janet Mills says she’ll immediately expand Medicaid.