COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina legislators have approved a measure that allows the state Medicaid program to reduce rates paid to doctors and hospitals.
The Senate's 24-11 approval on second reading Thursday would help the Department of Health and Human Services shave spending from a $225 million deficit in the current budget year.
Its approval comes as House budget writers approved a spending plan for the budget year beginning July 1 that would cut reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals by $125 million.
The Senate measure requires a final vote before being considered in the House.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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