Some GOP Lawmakers Want Separate Vote on Medicaid Expansion

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Some Republican lawmakers want to show Governor Dennis Daugaard what the Legislature thinks of his Medicaid expansion plan.

A bill was introduced Thursday that would require a separate vote about expansion rather than having it sandwiched in with the state budget bill.

GOP Representative Don Haggar says if his bill gets traction, the Republican governor can glean that the Legislature is likely unsatisfied with his approach and opposed to expansion.

A spokeswoman for Daugaard says the administration "doesn't think this is necessary." Kelsey Pritchard says the Legislature has authority over changes to Medicaid through the budget process.

Daugaard has proposed expanding the program if the state's share of the cost is covered by savings. The plan needs the backing of the federal government, the Legislature and South Dakota's Indian tribes.

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