SC Legislature to debate Medicaid expansion

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley and her administration have emphatically said “no” to expanding Medicaid in South Carolina.

But whether the state agrees with the federal plan to expand coverage to more low-income adults is ultimately not up to her. That decision rests with the Legislature.

House and Senate Republican leaders generally oppose the idea. But it’s not guaranteed that lawmakers will reject it.

The issue is expected to be hotly debated during the budget process next year. The expansions are to start in 2014 under the federal health care overhaul. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June made the expansion optional for states, not required.

Senate President Pro Tem John Courson says he’s concerned about the growth rate of the current Medicaid system, so he’s leery about expanding eligibility.