South Carolina Democrats say the state needs to expand Medicaid eligibility at least as long as the federal government promises to fully cover the cost.
/ Rob Starkey
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Democrats say the state needs to expand Medicaid eligibility at least as long as the federal government promises to fully cover the cost.
House Democrats on Monday offered their alternative for expanding health care to more poor adults.
They recognize that Gov. Nikki Haley and House Republicans refuse to simply expand the program as called for in the federal health care law. They applaud initiatives in the proposed state budget to improve residents' health, but contend they're no substitute for extending coverage to hundreds of thousands of additional residents.
Democrats will attempt during budget debate this week to insert a temporary expansion of one to three years.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter says it gives officials time to evaluate the costs and savings.
House Republicans contend it's an unrealistic idea.
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