CHARLESTON, S.C. - Several officials in a Republican-appointed panel praised Gov. Mark Sanford's plan to change the state's Medicaid system Friday.

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., led the two-hour hearing at the College of Charleston on behalf of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Coburn praised Sanford for his "bold plan."

Four other panelists, selected by Coburn with Sanford's input, also lauded the plan.

Democrats were allowed one appointee. Judith Solomon, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said many of Sanford's goals could be accomplished without federal intervention.

Sanford has a plan to restructure the state's Medicaid system, making it resemble a private health insurance plan. Medicaid beneficiaries would have to pay co-payments for doctor's office and hospital visits, and would face higher costs for prescription drugs.

The governor says the plan would save the state $300 million over five years. He said plan would not only save money, but improve health care for the poor as well.

Critics say the plan would have higher administrative costs and would make it more difficult for the poor to access health care.

Rep. Tracy Edge, R-Horry, the chairman of the state House subcommittee that oversees Medicaid spending, said the state is running out of options.

State Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, criticized the makeup of the panel, calling the discussion one-sided. He was denied permission to speak at the hearing.

"This is ridiculous," Ford said. "It's a sham."