Expand Medicaid in SC But at What Cost?

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — State democrats announced a proposal they claim will give South Carolinians better access to health care. This, as lawmakers enter their budget week. However, republicans say that’s a price tag, the state can’t afford. Democrats want to accept federal dollars to temporarily expand Medicaid. They claim doing so would provide health coverage for the more than 250,000 people in this state they say are uninsured. “If we don’t do this, we will pass thousands of dollars on to other states,” said House Minority Leader, Rep. Todd Rutherford. “I think people would appreciate having coverage for three years as opposed to not having coverage,” said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter. After the three-year trial period, the legislature could vote to approve the full expansion of Medicaid or end the program automatically. It’s a bitter pill, too costly to swallow, according to republicans. “It’s cruel to say we will to accept the federal money for three years but after that we may not be able to afford, which would leave millions uninsured again,” said South Carolina GOP spokesperson, Alex Stroman. “That is absolutely absurd. There is no such thing as a temporary entitlement plan. I don’t care how temporary Washington says it is, I’m not buying,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. Because this is such a hot topic, business leaders and health care executives plan to weigh in on the debate and talk later this month about health care and the adoption of the Affordable Care Act. A regional business roundtable hosted by the Greater Columbia and Greater Lexington Chambers will take place Thursday, March 28, from 7:30am to 9:00am. It will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton on Bush River Road. To register, go to columbiachamber.com/healthcareroundtable.htm.