South Dakota Says YES to Medicaid Expansion

South Dakota voters passed Amendment D on November 8, which was a vote to expand Medicaid in the state.

Health insurance is something everyone needs, but not everyone can get it. In fact, more than 42,000 hard-working South Dakotans are currently caught in the state’s coverage gap, which means they work at jobs that do not offer health insurance or they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

The purpose of Medicaid is to provide health insurance for individuals who are struggling financially. Passing Amendment D will benefit 7,000 uninsured individuals between the ages of 50-64 who now will be newly-eligible for Medicaid, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute.

In South Dakota, there is a direct correlation between chronic health conditions and poverty, meaning families financially struggling are far more likely to have medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer – not to mention the medical bills that come with these serious health issues. Medicaid expansion means more families can avoid serious health risks like delayed care and unfilled prescriptions for chronic health issues.

Ensuring health care access is good for South Dakotans and their families, it is good for their employers who need them to be healthy and on the job, and it is good for our communities who will see economic benefits from Medicaid expansion – including keeping rural hospitals open.

AARP South Dakota, and our many partners who joined the South Dakotans Decide Healthcare Coalition in support of Amendment D, say Thank You, South Dakota!