SIOUX FALLS, SD – Expanding Medicaid is the goal of the group “South Dakotans Decide Healthcare” and a ballot issue to determine that will be in front of voters in November.
During a news conference, Presentation Sister Kathleen Bierne said the expansion would include a lot of people who need insurance coverage.
“The move to expand Medicaid would help the low income adults without children. At the present time there is assistance for people with children. Expanding Medicaid will help the elderly, the blind and the disabled.”
Bierne says expanded access to health care could lower overall costs.
“The thing we are are most concerned about is that Medicaid expansion is about assuring access to healthcare. We know if people get care at the basic level, it often keeps them from having extended care later. It insures the individuals who do not have insurance will have that access to preventative care.”
Bierne says rural hospitals are also threatened by under funding.
Our rural hospitals are struggling to stay open. They would be helped as well if more people had basic coverage because its that immediate, basic healthcare that is needed right now by the people who are most vulnerable.”
Supporters also say the state could receive over one billion dollars in federal funding. Opponents say its another expansion of big government programs.
