Richland County Council issues proclamation backing CoverSC effort to close state coverage gap

Richland County Council on Dec. 2 adopted a proclamation expressing the councilsupport for CoverSC and urging the South Carolina General Assembly and governor to close the statecoverage gap that leaves many adults uninsured. Chair members read figures in the proclamation noting that 14.1 percent of adults ages 18 to 64 in Richland County are uninsured and that 23 percent of residents carry medical debt.

The proclamation said expanding access would bring an estimated $7,900,000 in new state and county tax revenue to Richland County, create roughly 1,940 new jobs and allow about 16,412 residents to obtain Healthy Connections insurance in the first year.

"This proclamation affirms your commitment to their well-being, and we thank you for your leadership and your willingness to stand with our community," said Zakiya Mickle, who introduced herself as representing CoverSC. Mickle thanked the council for the proclamation and for supporting CoverSC's goal to expand affordable health coverage.

Councilmembers briefed in the meeting underscored health and economic benefits cited in the proclamation and asked staff to help promote the message to state policymakers. The proclamation does not change county law or spending; it is a formal statement urging state-level action.

The council posed for a ceremonial photograph with the CoverSC representative following the proclamation; no vote was required for the ceremonial proclamation.