More uninsured people could create a cascading effect that increases preventable deaths, a study found
COLUMBIA — Erin Johnson is scheduling as many doctor’s appointments as she can before the end of the year.
The James Island resident is among an estimated 142,000 South Carolinians expected to lose their health insurance with the end of an expanded federal subsidy that helps pay their premiums. The aid is set to expire at year’s end unless Congress approves another extension.
That would further strain the state’s hospitals, cause people to get sicker as they delay seeking care, and increase preventable deaths, advocates are warning.