While the question of expanding Medicaid in South Dakota couldn’t be answered during the 2016 legislative session, it may be back before a special session later this year.
Governor Dennis Daugaard said they were still working out details with federal officials.

Doug Ekeren, President of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, says the bottom line is the effect it would have on the health of a lot of people in the state….

Ekeren says the expansion would also help improve health care for Native Americans….

Ekeren says expansion could also save public dollars by keeping many of those without coverage out of the emergency room…..

The state is working out a waiver with the federal government that would allow the Indian Health Service to help pay some of the Medicaid costs.