State Policy · SD
South Dakota Ballot Includes Amendment to Curb Medicaid Expansion Funding
In a South Dakota Searchlight commentary urging voter turnout, the editorial board argues that this election's stakes, including four constitutional amendments, justify civic engagement despite Republican dominance in state races. Among the amendments is one described as a "back door method for getting the state out of funding expanded Medicaid," alongside measures on an unclaimed property trust fund, noncitizen voting, and raising the threshold for constitutional amendments to 60%. The piece frames the Medicaid-related measure as one of several consequential issues on the November ballot. Early voting is underway, with voter registration closing October 19.
Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies and advocates should track this ballot measure closely, since its passage could alter South Dakota's commitment to funding its expanded Medicaid population and create a precedent for other states seeking similar exit mechanisms.