South Carolina, facing serious budget problems, will get $51.5 million in Federal Stimulus Funds to help offset the cost of prescription drugs for residents on both Medicare and Medicaid.

U. S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the money will help States provide health care services as they struggle through tough economic times.

Jeff Stensland, Spokesman for the State Department of Health and Human Services, said that the additional funds will help.

The department got $728 million in state funds for fiscal 2010, down from $950 million.

DHHS is asking for another $204 million in state funds and wants to retain $171 million in Federal Stimulus money to maintain services at their current level.

Joe Baker, President of the Consumer Group Medicare Rights Center, said the money will enable states to maintain needed services for low-income older adults and people with disabilities.

Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal silenced the vocal mix of Opponents and the adversaries who were gearing up for a budget battle comprising health care providers represented by several powerful lobbying groups with his political sway at the Louisiana Capitol.

From the program's budget of $6.2 billion, one third of the cut would fall on the hospitals and other private health providers that care for Medicaid patients.