COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina remains one of 10 states that have opted to not expand Medicaid since it became an option about a decade ago.

A newly formed coalition of dozens of nonprofits and organizations are now calling on lawmakers to change that, but they face substantial opposition.

Medicaid expansion has long been something of a third rail at the South Carolina State House.

But supporters point to another state with a Republican-dominated legislature to show how it can get done: North Carolina.

“It wasn’t easy. It took us 10 years to get there,” North Carolina Republican state representative Donny Lambeth said during a news conference Tuesday in Columbia.

Since last December, the state of North Carolina reports more than half a million people have signed up for coverage under its newly expanded Medicaid eligibility.

A report the group Cover SC recently commissioned found around 340,000 South Carolinians could benefit from Medicaid expansion.

“Most are workers who don’t qualify for Medicaid but make too little to afford private insurance,” Teresa Arnold, the group’s co-chair, said.

When states expand Medicaid eligibility, the federal government covers 90% of the cost, while states are on the hook for the other 10%.

South Carolina’s share for the first year is around $270 million, but by year 10, it is estimated to grow to more than $380 million dollars.

But North Carolina crafted a deal in which hospitals pick up that 10% through an annual tax.

“We’ve constructed this in a way that’s not costing the state of North Carolina a single penny,” North Carolina Republican state senator Kevin Corbin said.

Earlier this year, Governor Henry McMaster vetoed an effort to take a closer look at South Carolina’s healthcare market, including Medicaid expansion.

The Republican governor remains firmly opposed to the option.

“This is our state,” McMaster told reporters Tuesday. “We have to do the right thing in our state, and to be taking taxpayer dollars from our citizens and be giving them to able-bodied, childless adults, childless, able-bodied adults, is not a wise expenditure of that money.”

But South Carolinian Cliff Arnold said people like him would benefit.

He said he was working until two years ago when his kidneys started failing.

Arnold, who uses a wheelchair, said his disability check is too much to qualify for Medicaid but is eaten up by his medical expenses each month.

“I’m just sweating to see if I can make it to the next check,” he said. “Having healthcare would really make a huge difference in how much we actually would be able to — it would actually put food in our refrigerator.”

While both Carolinas are home to legislatures dominated by Republicans, a key difference between them is who leads the executive branch.

While McMaster is a Republican, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is a Democrat and made Medicaid expansion a key priority.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – On Wednesday, Governor McMaster declared a state of emergency in preparation for the landing of Hurricane Helene.

The governor’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan. This declaration directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with state agencies to prepare for assistance requests from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

“Although South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s impacts, the storm is still expected to bring dangerous flooding, high winds, and isolated tornadoes to many parts of the state,” said Governor McMaster.

“This State of Emergency ensures that Team South Carolina has the necessary resources in place to respond to these potential impacts. South Carolinians in potentially affected areas should start to take precautions now and monitor local weather forecasts over the next several days.”

Hurricane Helene formed Tuesday and is rapidly strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico. Before making landfall in the Big Bend of Florida Thursday evening, Helene is likely to be a Major Hurricane, with sustained winds around 125 MPH.

The storm is expected to impact South Carolina and other southeastern states with strong winds, significant rainfall, flash flooding, and an enhanced risk of isolated tornadoes.

Watch WIS Thursday and Friday for First Alert Weather coverage as the hurricane makes its way through the Midlands.

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COLUMBIA — Looking at South Carolina football’s roster in August, there were question marks. With lots of underclassmen, transfers and position battles to be sorted out, it wasn’t obvious who would stand out.

South Carolina holds a 3-1 record heading into its first open date of the season after defeating Akron 50-7 on Saturday.

With four games played, including two SEC, here are five players who have stood out on offense, defense and special teams.

Offense: Mazeo Bennett Jr.

Mazeo Bennett Jr., a freshman wide receiver from Greenville, leads the Gamecocks with 159 receiving yards. He had his coming out game against Kentucky, scoring a touchdown and catching a 32-yard pass. Bennett had 71 receiving yards on five catches against Akron, and scored his first touchdown in Williams-Brice Stadium.

Top skills: Route running, hands and confidence, especially in big moments

Offense: Rocket Sanders

Rocket Sanders, a transfer running back from Arkansas, has played well coming off a season riddled with injuries. His best game was against LSU in which he scored twice and logged a 66-yard run. Though he was injured early in the win against Akron, Sanders has 286 yards on 57 carries.

Top skills: Strength, speed, leadership

Honorable mention: LaNorris Sellers, quarterback

Defense: Kyle Kennard

Kyle Kennard, a transfer edge rusher from Georgia Tech, is tied for first in the country in sacks with 5.5. Kennard is explosive, disruptive and thus far the most impactful defender for South Carolina. At 6-foot-5, his size poses a challenge to most offenses, and he’s established himself as a strong presence no matter the opponent. He has seven solo tackles, two forced fumbles, and 8.5 tackles for a loss of 53 yards.

Top skills: ability to get off the ball, dependability/consistency, leadership

PASSING GAME: South Carolina football’s passing game is improving, what it means entering open date

Defense: Nick Emmanwori

Nick Emmanwori, a defensive back, was sort of drowned out by the hype for freshman Dylan Stewart in weeks 1 and 2, but the junior has been huge for the Gamecocks. He leads the team with 18 solo tackles — eight against LSU — and has two interceptions. Against Kentucky, he jumped to intercept a pass and maintained his balance to return the ball for a 24-yard touchdown. He had another pick against LSU and showcased that he runs like a receiver when he catches the ball.

Top skills: Size, strength, anticipates well, IQ

Honorable mention: Dylan Stewart, edge

Special teams: Alex Herrera

Alex Herrera hadn’t kicked field goal before the opener vs. Old Dominion, but he nailed three to keep South Carolina in the game. The 49-yard kick he missed to tie the score against LSU doesn’t take away from his dependability on field goals and extra points. What’s most impressive is he won the kicker battle shortly before Week 1 and has stepped into a huge role with little experience.

Top skills: Short memory, doesn’t dwell on the negative, after LSU he went 6-6 on extra points against Akron

Honorable mention: Kai Kroeger, punter

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin