COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's Medicaid programs would stop paying doctors on March 4 unless plans are approved to cover a $228 million deficit.
The state Department of Health and Human Services Tuesday released its report to the State Budget Office outlining the scope of shortfalls that touch the state's elderly, poor and disabled.
The report says the agency would encourage doctors to treat patients with no promise of payment and that the state would likely face federal sanctions for not complying with payment guidelines. The agency also said it would have to defend numerous lawsuits if the shortfall isn't covered.
The agency will present its plans to the state Budget and Control Board on Dec. 14.
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