South Dakota proposes plan to expand Medicaid

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By JAMES NORD

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota may join 30 other states in expanding its Medicaid program if federal officials approve a plan Gov. Dennis Daugaard is set to outline to the nation's top health and human services administrator in Washington on Tuesday.

The Republican governor is meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell to explain the plan, and the federal government has so far been more open to discussions than in the past, said Tony Venhuizen, chief of staff to Daugaard. The proposal, which is in its early stages, would make about 48,500 South Dakota residents newly eligible for the program.

It's expected to cost the state between $30 and $33 million starting in 2020, which would be offset by federal funding, said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, a senior adviser to the governor.

Some Republican governors around the country have steadfastly resisted expanding Medicaid, in part because of opposition to the federal health overhaul.

FULL story at link.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/2d4795d83f724d9f9905fcc68a9a5fd9/south-dakota-proposes-plan-expand-medicaid

[goldent]

1. Amazing to see figures of $30 to $33 million quoted

I didn't think anything could be done for that kind of money

[Wellstone ruled]

2. South Dakota has a major crap storm heading their way.

There manufacturing companies are on the move to Mexico. And these jobs are going to be replace with new Dairy Plant jobs at Minimum wage or lower. Typical ALEC Libertarian State.

[Comrade Grumpy]

3. Good if it happens. I know people there who would really benefit from that. n/t