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South Carolina Underreported $108.6 Million in Federal Share of Medicaid and CHIP Collections, OIG Audit Reveals

South Carolina Underreported $108.6 Million in Federal Share of Medicaid and CHIP Collections, OIG Audit Reveals

An audit by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has found that South Carolina did not accurately calculate and report approximately $108.6 million in the federal share of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) collections. These collections, which include recovered overpayments and refunds, reduce the net reported expenditures and consequently decrease the federal funding states receive. The audit period focused on collections subject to the increased COVID-19 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily increased Medicaid FMAPs by 6.2 percentage points and CHIP FMAPs by 4.34 percentage points. The OIG's investigation aimed to determine if South Carolina correctly reported the federal share of these collections under the increased FMAP. The OIG has made four recommendations to South Carolina, including adjusting future CMS reports and refunding the underreported federal share, which includes $8.6 million from the first quarter o...

South Carolina Underreported $108.6 Million in Federal Medicaid and CHIP Collections During COVID-19 Pandemic

South Carolina Underreported $108.6 Million in Federal Medicaid and CHIP Collections During COVID-19 Pandemic

An audit by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) revealed that South Carolina did not accurately calculate and report approximately $108.6 million in the federal share of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) collections. These collections were subject to the increased COVID-19 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the audit period. The OIG found that South Carolina retained the difference between the federal share of collections calculated at the increased FMAP, authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and the federal share calculated at the regular FMAP. This issue arose because states were instructed to compute the federal share of collections at the FMAP in effect when the original expenditures were reimbursed or when the refund was received, and the COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary increases in FMAP rates.

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School Garden Provides Hands-On Education in South Carolina

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School Garden Provides Hands-On Education in South Carolina

WIS reports on a garden at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in Columbia, South Carolina, which offers students a hands-on approach to outdoor education and discovery. During visits to the garden, students are encouraged to engage their senses by touching, smelling, and tasting fresh plants, including herbs, native wildflowers, and berries. Educators at the school emphasize that these sensory experiences are designed to ignite natural curiosity and foster an eager desire to learn among the students. The program extends beyond simple plant identification, incorporating practical, budget-friendly gardening skills such as seed saving and constructing raised beds for growing fresh food. These lessons are intended to cultivate problem-solving habits and self-reliance, skills deemed valuable for both daily life and future career paths.

Winthrop University Guarantees Admission and Scholarships for Top South Carolina High School Students

Winthrop University Guarantees Admission and Scholarships for Top South Carolina High School Students

Winthrop University has announced the 'Winthrop Scholars Guarantee,' a new initiative that assures admission and scholarship support for high-achieving South Carolina high school students. Under this program, students who graduate in the top 15 percent of their class will be guaranteed admission to Winthrop University. Additionally, these students will receive a merit scholarship of at least $5,000 in institutional funding from Winthrop for the Fall 2027 semester. This guarantee has no income or adjusted gross income restrictions, making it accessible to all eligible students. President Edward Serna '02 stated that this initiative aims to intentionally recruit and welcome academically strong students into Winthrop's student body, recognizing their demonstrated success in high school.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

When does daylight saving time end? Why Florida clocks are still changing

When does daylight saving time end? Why Florida clocks are still changing

Florida wanted year-round daylight saving time. So why are residents still changing clocks twice a year? Here's what's holding things up.

South Carolina Designates 'Carolina When I Die' as Official State Song

South Carolina Designates 'Carolina When I Die' as Official State Song

Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina officially announced the designation of 'Carolina When I Die' as an official state song. This song, a tribute to the Palmetto State, was written by South Carolina native Patrick Davis and features fellow South Carolina artists Darius Rucker and Edwin McCain. The announcement was made in a ceremony at the State House, where Governor McMaster was joined by the artists. This designation elevates 'Carolina When I Die' to the status of an official state symbol, recognizing its contribution to the state's identity and story. It becomes the third official state song for South Carolina, joining 'Carolina,' adopted in 1911, and 'South Carolina on My Mind,' designated in 1984. The process for this designation began two years prior with the submission of a bill.

South Carolina Wildfire Activity Remains Minimal

South Carolina Wildfire Activity Remains Minimal

According to the South Carolina Fires Map, wildfire activity across the state remains quiet as of October 1, 2026. No significant fires are currently burning, and there are no active fire-weather watches or red flag warnings in place. The South Carolina Forestry Commission continues to operate under standard protocols, with moderate fire potential in central and coastal areas expected to drop to low levels heading into the weekend. The state has also transitioned to an updated dispatch system for prescribed burn notifications, ensuring efficient land management practices.

Asheville Citizen-Times

Trump starts $500 ACA refunds today. Who's eligible in North Carolina

Trump starts $500 ACA refunds today. Who's eligible in North Carolina

Trump's administration states that the refunds will be issued due to claims of Affordable Care Act overcharging.

South Carolina Advocates Urge Congress for Increased Cancer Research Funding

South Carolina Advocates Urge Congress for Increased Cancer Research Funding

Over 750 cancer patients, survivors, and their families from across the United States, including two South Carolina residents, traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for increased federal funding for cancer research and prevention. Representing the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Shelby Duckett of Summerville and Lee Moultrie of North Charleston met with state representatives. They are specifically requesting Congress to allocate $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with an additional $230 million designated for early detection and prevention programs for breast and cervical cancers through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Duckett highlighted that institutions in South Carolina, such as MUSC, which is the state's highest NIH institute, would directly benefit from these federal allocations, leading to job creation and increased research opportunities in the region. Moultrie, an 11-year cancer survivor, emphasized the importance of removing financial ba...

Trump to send $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans

Trump to send $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans

Nearly 1 million Americans will begin receiving $500 Obamacare refund checks on Sept. 30, along with letters signed by President Donald Trump.

Nashville Tennessean

Trump's $500 ACA refund checks are only going to 30 states. Tennessee is one of them

Trump's $500 ACA refund checks are only going to 30 states. Tennessee is one of them

Trump is sending $500 dollar refund checks to 950,000 Americans in 30 states due to health insurance overcharges.

Lake Hartwell Country Releases Waterfall Guide for Fall Visitors in South Carolina

Lake Hartwell Country Releases Waterfall Guide for Fall Visitors in South Carolina

Lake Hartwell Country, a regional tourism office in South Carolina, has released a comprehensive waterfall guide aimed at fall visitors near Clemson. The guide provides essential information such as trail length, difficulty, and exact coordinates for several accessible waterfalls in the region. These include Waldrop Stone Falls, Issaqueena Falls, Yellow Branch Falls, King Creek Falls, Spoonauger Falls, and Twin Falls (Eastatoe Falls). The organization notes that fall is a peak season for waterfall hikes due to cooler temperatures and changing leaves, attracting numerous day-trippers and overnight visitors.