David Becker, a UAB professor specializing in health, labor and regulatory economics, was among a group of experts who said making more Alabamians eligible for Medicaid is in the best interest of the state’s short-term spending and long-term financial well-being, as well as the overall physical condition of the people in the state. Becker said there’s a “huge, huge incentive” to expand Medicaid while the federal government is paying 100 percent.