Haley to reject federal health care funds

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley says she will not apply for millions in federal funds to help set up a health insurance exchange in South Carolina.

The State newspaper reported Thursday (http://bit.ly/qdfG9P ) that Haley doesn’t think health insurance exchanges are the best approach for South Carolina.

The exchanges are the centerpiece of the federal reform. The exchanges are designed to let uninsured people compare policies from private companies and buy the one that is best for each individual’s needs.

Gubernatorial spokesman Rob Godfrey says Haley opposes the federal law, saying South Carolina doesn’t want the plan and cannot afford it.

Orangeburg Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter says the state could provide health coverage if it would move ahead with the federal plan. She sponsored a bill this year to set up a health exchange.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com