This morning in House State Affairs, the committee passed a resolution (HJR 5004) that proposes an amendment to the Constitution of SD to authorize the state to impose work requirements on able-bodied people who are eligible for expanded Medicaid.
Medicaid expansion was passed by 56% of South Dakotans. The constitutional amendment stated that SD may not impose greater or additional burdens or restrictions on any person. This proposed constitutional amendment negates the wish of South Dakotans.
Medicaid expansion didn’t come to SD as an initiative measure because proponents didn’t want legislators to chip away at expansion. But here we are—doing exactly that.
This amendment has many flaws—which were pointed out during Committee. Still, the resolution passed with a large majority. It isn’t aimed at improving economic mobility. Instead, it reflects the idea that healthcare coverage should only be allowed to people who work.
Medicaid expansion’s primary objective is to provide medical assistance to vulnerable South Dakotans based on need. NOT based on one’s ability to work.
Please contact your legislators and tell them to vote no on HJR 5004. The House will be voting on this tomorrow.
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