Bill > H3269

This Joint Resolution mandates that a statewide advisory referendum be held by the State Election Commission concurrently with the 2022 General Election to gauge public opinion on whether South Carolina should participate in Medicaid expansion, a program established by the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (often referred to as Obamacare) that aims to provide health insurance coverage. Specifically, the referendum will ask voters if they favor expanding Medicaid to include adults aged sixty-five and younger whose income falls at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, with a small income disregard, making them eligible for coverage starting January 1, 2024. The results of this referendum are advisory, meaning they will not be legally binding but will be published and certified to state officials, and the costs will be covered by the State Election Commission's budget.