The same proposed legislation, which awaits action in the full Senate and House, also requires HIV, AIDS, cancer and mental health patients to use generic drugs or obtain prior approval from the state’s health department to use non-generic drugs. The sweeping move by Governor Nikki Haley and the Department of Health & Human Services aims to make up for some of the $225 million deficit in the state’s Medicaid program.
The South Carolina Hospital Association expressed concern over the proposed legislation, claiming even a $100 million cut to hospitals would result in 2,600 cut jobs and possibly some hospital closings. Physicians may refuse care to Medicaid patients as well, according to the report.
The proposed legislation is expected to pass in both the House and Senate.
Read the news report about South Carolina Medicaid.
Read other coverage about Medicaid:
– At Urging of Hospital Industry, New York Governor Cuomo Reduces Medicaid Cuts by $55M
– States Will Struggle to Find Primary Care for Booming Medicaid Population
– New York Health Department Proposes 2% Cut to Medicaid Payments, 4% Cap on Annual Spending Increases
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