SIOUX FALLS, S.D (KELO AM) - Democratic lawmakers again today called on Governor Daugaard to expand Medicaid.
Brookings Representative Spence Hawley says it would impact South Dakotans up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Hawley says which on a single person means they make $15,500, still below the minimum wage.
He says for a family of three it means making $26,000.
Governor Daugaard says the state’s ability to pay is a concern. He says in the first few years the consequence to the state budget is a couple million dollars, then it goes to ten, then twenty, eventually up to $36 million. He says the state's entire revenue growth this year was $49 million.
Democrats have an expansion bill in the Senate to allow for a hearing.