SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - After reviewing safety net hospitals and clinics in seven states, researchers at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families found that Medicaid expansion states saved money.
Carrie Clausen-Hansen with the South Dakota Nurses Association says if South Dakota increased Medicaid coverage, about 50,000 residents would have better health care access.
Clauisen-Hansen says nurses know very well the earlier you access health care, the better off your health outcomes are. And for rural South Dakota it's critically important because access is a big issue.
Study co-author Jack Hoadly says health care institutions in expansion states are also saving money, freeing them to provide other services including dental and behavioral health check-ups.
Hoadly says because they have more resources and they're not just stretched to meet the day-to-day needs of their patients they have a little more flexibility to try to create relationships around the community with other providers.
State Republicans want to see the federal government take on more Medicaid costs for American Indians before they'll agree to an expansion. Governor Daugaard is considering calling a special legislative session this summer to vote on a plan to increase Medicaid.
(Thanlks Greater Dakota News Service)