COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The director of South Carolina's Medicaid agency wants to make it easier for low-income children who already qualify for health care coverage to enroll.
Director Tony Keck is seeking an additional $35 million from the state in his 2012-13 budget proposal. Nearly $30 million of that would pay to add an estimated 70,000 children to Medicaid rolls by streamlining the application process.
Officials estimate up to 89,000 children without health insurance qualify for a Medicaid program that covers only those18 and under. Legislators passed a law in 2007 increasing eligibility, but advocates have long complained the previous administration didn't work to sign children up.
Keck says the move would help the state prepare for portions of the federal health care law set to take effect in 2014.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH