When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted, the State of South Dakota decided not to expand the Medicaid program. Now, Governor Dennis Daugaard has raised the possibility of expanding the state’s program.

Those who fall below 138% of poverty do not qualify for subsidies for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. They fall into what is called a “coverage gap.” Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Family Resource Management Specialist Carrie Johnson…

Johnson says those who fall into the coverage gap still have to purchase insurance under the ACA…..

By expanding Medicaid in South Dakota, it has been estimated that an additional 55,000 people would be able to obtain affordable health insurance coverage.