1. United States
2. S.C.
3. Letter

Expanding Medicaid eligibility in South Carolina would provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to 360,000 additional residents in the first year alone. A new report shows that while the federal government would cover 90% of the cost amounting to $2.5 billion in 2026, the state's share would be $270 million. However, South Carolina would receive $435 million in additional federal funding in the first year and $469 million in the second year under the American Rescue Plan Act, more than offsetting the state's costs initially. The expansion is projected to spur $3.9 billion in new economic activity and generate $112 million in state and local tax revenue in 2026 from new jobs and businesses. With over 450,000 South Carolinians currently uninsured, Medicaid expansion would markedly improve access to health care services. I urge you to carefully consider the economic benefits and humanitarian impact of expanding Medicaid coverage for our state's underserved population. Prioritizing people over profits aligns with our shared values of supporting vulnerable communities.