Medicaid Expansion to Wait in Mount Rushmore State
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard recommends that Legislators wait to resolve the Medicaid Expansion issue.
The Federal Government is moving toward reimbursing the State at a level that would have Medicaid cover an additional 50,000 people in South Dakota without increasing the use of state funds. Daugaard says too many moving parts are currently in play to rush this process.
“We have to evaluate the impact of the policy changes, assess the time it will take to implement the changes and communicate with the legislature. All this is happening while education funding and other issues command their attention.”
Governor Daugaard says the decision doesn’t change the goal of making sure South Dakotans are covered.
“I remain committed to seeing this through. I’m very optimistic that I will be able to recommend Medicaid expansion when the plan is right for South Dakota.”
Daugaard also admits there is the possibility of getting the plan in place before 2017.
“I’m hopeful that we might be able to address it in a special session if the savings can be identified and if implementation is practically realistic.”
Dozens of healthcare organizations, private businesses and religious groups are in support of the Governor’s plan. South Dakota Democrats voiced disappointment with the delay, but are committed to improving healthcare to Native Americans in the state.
See Also:
More From KYBB-FM / B102.7
