A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 44-6-42 so as to REQUIRE THE STATE PLAN PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FOR FEDERAL APPROVAL PURSUANT TO SUBCHAPTER XIX, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 42 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE TO PROVIDE THAT MEDICAID COVERAGE BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2024, BE AVAILABLE TO ADULTS UNDER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE WHOSE INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL, WITH A FIVE PERCENT INCOME DISREGARD.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Article 1, Chapter 6, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Section 44-6-42.   The plan prepared by the department and submitted for federal approval in accordance with the requirements of Section 44-6-40 and pursuant to Section 1396a of Subchapter XIX, Chapter 7, Title 42 of the United States Code, for health insurance plans offered beginning January 1, 2024, must expand Medicaid coverage to individuals under sixty-five years of age whose income does not exceed one hundred thirty-three percent of the federal poverty level, with a five percent income disregard, who are not already eligible for Medicaid coverage.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----