COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Representatives of several state agencies came together to talk about what they've accomplished this year. At the end of the governor's nearly hour-and-a-half cabinet meeting, the focus shifted to Medicaid.
The Department of Health and Human Services released its report to the state budget office outlining the shortfalls that affect the program for the state's elderly, poor and disabled.
The state's Medicaid programs would stop paying doctors on March 4 unless plans are approved to cover a $228 million deficit.
"This is a process. We are just in the beginning of the process so there is no reason for people to get anxious about what's happening," explained Jeff Stensland of DHHS.
"Economic cycles are as old as time," added Governor Mark Sanford. "The years when you have a billion and a half in new money coming in may be glorious but they're glorious for a short run."
Stensland tells WACH Fox News they will be communicating with Medicaid beneficiaries one he knows how his agency will address the deficit.
The State Department of Health and Human Services will present its plans to the State Budget and Control Board on December 14.
Some good news was also covered during Wednesday's meeting. The Board of Economic Advisors pointed out the state is running ahead when it comes to revenue collections this fiscal, year which started in July.
But that's still not enough to cover the state's total deficit.
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