SIOUX FALLS, S.D., November 9, 2022 – South Dakota voters approved Constitutional Amendment D, which will expand Medicaid in the state.

The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, played a key role in the campaign to expand Medicaid as part of the South Dakotans Decide Healthcare Coalition (SDDH), the umbrella organization that led efforts around Constitutional Amendment D. SDDH is a broad, non-partisan coalition representing patients, doctors and nurses, small businesses owners, farmers, ranchers, hospitals, educators, tribal societies, fire fighters, EMTs, congregations, several Chambers of Commerce, advocating alongside organizations like the American Heart Association.

“We’re glad that South Dakota voters saw that helping our neighbors get health care is the right thing to do,” said Dave Kapaska, DO, MBA, retired hospital executive and co-chair of the American Heart Association’s volunteer cabinet for Medicaid expansion. “Ensuring health care access for 42,000 hardworking South Dakotans is good for them and their families, good for their employers who need them more than ever, and good for the economic progress of this state.”

Amendment D will require South Dakota to provide Medicaid benefits to any person over 18 and under 65 who earns less than $19,000 a year or a family of four earning less than $38,000 per year. Federal funding would pay for 90 percent of the expansion costs, with the state being responsible for the remaining 10 percent. According to the South Dakota Legislative Research Council, expanding Medicaid means South Dakota will save more than $63 million in general funds in the first two years alone, as a result of additional program funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. Medicaid expansion would return more than $1.3 billion tax dollars to South Dakota from Washington in the first five years.

“Our work is not done,” said Tony Burke, government relations director for the American Heart Association in South Dakota. “We’re excited to roll up our sleeves and get to work alongside the Governor and the legislature on next steps for implementation and enrollment.”

Medicaid expansion in South Dakota also supports the Association’s commitment to health equity and its efforts to strengthen rural health care in the state. Rural hospitals and first responders work hard to keep their doors open and communities struggle to recruit and keep good healthcare providers, making it harder for residents to access the care they need. Medicaid expansion makes it more likely that people in rural areas will have a hospital and health care providers in their community that they can trust. It also means rural residents will have more local options for care, which reduces the need to drive long distances to reach facilities and see providers and specialists in bigger cities.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

For Media Inquiries:
Chrissy Meyer: 605-360-2542, Chrissy.Meyer@Heart.org