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SDPB Radio Coverage of the South Dakota Legislature. See all coverage and find links to audio and video streams live from the Capitol at www.sdpb.org/statehouse

Joint Committee Kills Medicaid Expansion

The State Joint Appropriations Committee killed a measure that expands Medicaid in South Dakota under the Affordable Care Act.

Those lawmakers backing the measure argue that the federal government is picking up much of the expense and that the extra health coverage will boost the state economy.

But opponents say they oppose the Affordable Care Act and the state should not take part in driving up the national debt. 

Those calling for expanded Medicaid coverage in South Dakota say thousands of state residents would be covered under the program – at minimal cost to the state initially.

But Opponents to ACA Medicaid expansion in South Dakota include Republican Representative Mark Mickelson.  He argues the federal government cannot afford the Affordable Care Act.

 “The financial numbers on this piece of paper are compelling because it seems like a bunch of free money.  And I guess my question is, when I look at my kids is you know how long is it free, and how are we getting that money, and when do we have to figure out to pay for it?” says Mickelson.

“I’m here to tell you that we are paying for these people already,” says Sutton.

On the other side of the aisle -- Democratic State Senator Billie Sutton argues in favor of taking federal funds to expand Medicaid in South Dakota.  He points to the burden on the state’s economy already incurred by those who can’t afford health care.
 
 “Whether it’s through emergency room use and uncompensated care, in in turn increased premiums for everyone else.  And we will continue to pay for it.  because like it or not the Affordable Care Act is here.  It is reality,” says Sutton.

Sutton points to studies that show that a majority of those who quality for expanded Medicaid coverage have jobs.  

Members of the joint appropriations Committee voted 14 to 4 along party lines to table the measure. It’s expected to be debated and voted on again on the chamber floors before the end of session Friday.