Feds drop probe of SC’s use of health grant

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The federal government is dropping a probe into South Carolina’s use of a $1 million grant to study health care reform.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported (http://bit.ly/A3AU6Zhe ) in December that Gov. Nikki Haley told a 12-member state panel to use the planning grant to find a way to avoid the federal Affordable Care Act requirements.

Iowa U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin then asked for an investigation and questioned whether the state should have to repay the more than $300,000 it spent.

But Harkin said Wednesday investigators found the report will be of value in helping ensure that state residents have access to health care through an insurance exchange.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey says the finding reaffirms her position that what was done with the grant was appropriate and productive.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com