As of July 2024, South Carolina remains one of 10 states that has yet to expand Medicaid coverage. That leaves almost half a million people (0-64) without health insurance – more than the combined population of our three largest cities. Plus, more than 1 in 5 South Carolinians struggle with medical debt in collections.
If South Carolina were to expand Medicaid, it would lead to substantial economic and job growth across all 46 counties in our state – urban and rural, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. Our state would see the creation of nearly 29,000 new jobs over the first three years of Medicaid expansion.
The report points to Medicaid expansion significantly growing South Carolina’s diverse economy, with benefits felt in every corner of the state and by all our friends, neighbors, and workforce. Data indicates that expansion would be a win-win for South Carolina – improving access to health care for South Carolinians and boosting our state’s economy.
Additional Resources:
- Economic Report on Impact of Medicaid Expansion in South Carolina
- South Carolina’s Projected Economic Growth from Medicaid Expansion
- Cover SC – Why We Need to Close the Healthcare Coverage Gap
Closing the health insurance gap would cover over 340,000 South Carolinians. Most are workers who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance. More people could access preventative care, reduce emergency room use, improve our state’s health outcomes, and lower health care costs for all.
Affordable healthcare will reduce medical debt and improve financial independence for families. Expanding coverage contributes 29,000 new jobs in South Carolina, bringing employment and healthcare to rural communities.
Cover SC seeks to strengthen the health and economy of our state through affordable, sustainable healthcare coverage.
Learn More About Cover SC at https://www.coversc.org/.