Medicaid Expansion

Supporters of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act say it's a benefit for South Dakotans.  Governor Dennis Daugaard has resisted expansion, saying he's concerned the federal government could renege on its promise to pay most of the cost.  Last week, however, Daugaard made a move that could partially expand Medicaid in the state.  He sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking for permission to cover people earning up to 100% of the poverty line in the Medicaid program.  The Affordable Care Act calls for states to expand up to 133% of the poverty line.  Deb Fischer-Clemens, Avera Health Senior Vice President of Public Policy, and Bob Sutton, Avera Health Vice President of Community Relations, explained their support for expansion on Dakota Midday Thursday.