Foes Predict Tough Politics for Medicaid Expansion in 2017

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Opponents of Medicaid expansion in South Dakota say Gov. Dennis Daugaard's chances of broadening eligibility for the program have likely diminished since he isn't calling a special legislative session to consider it.

Daugaard says it's "very possible" that he will propose expanding the program during the 2017 session.

But expansion foes predict the Legislature will be less receptive after the November elections because several conservative Republicans triumphed over moderates in state Senate primaries.

Expanding eligibility would cover roughly 50,000 more low-income South Dakota residents.

Senate Democratic leader Billie Sutton says the results of local legislative races and the presidential contest will seriously impact political dynamics next session when it comes to expansion.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

See Also: