What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in South Dakota? The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion encompasses new rules created by the national government. All states may adopt the ACA Medicaid expansion guidelines. In the case of South Dakota, the state chose not to accept the rules, and continues with Medicaid as previously managed. The 2010 ACA Medicaid expansion made low-cost medical coverage possible for millions of citizens who could not otherwise get health care. Such new Obamacare Medicaid expansion details made the system more lenient towards certain applicants, as long as they met the established income requirements. For example, under the ACA expansion, anyone making below a certain income level based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) has the chance at affordable health care. For residents seeking the answer to “What is the expansion of Medicaid?” or for more details about the ACA Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, read through the details in the sections ahead.

Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in South Dakota

Nineteen states chose not to adopt the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, while 31 states and Washington D.C. accepted the extended guidelines. Since South Dakota did not choose to expand Medicaid as outlined by the new Medicaid eligibility rules, many citizens will not be eligible for Medicaid unless they meet other established requirements.

The ACA expansion of Medicaid aims to make it likelier that certain low-income residents get a chance at affordable medical insurance. In states where the benefits of Medicaid have been extended, the health care industry sees a rise in medical professionals such as nurses, orderlies and more. However, South Dakota did not choose to take advantage of the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, and therefore, the medical industry has not experienced such an increase in job stimulation. To learn more about states that did accept the Medicaid expansion, and the associated benefits, download our free guide.

What does opting out of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mean for South Dakota?

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in South Dakota did not alter any of the Medicaid qualifications that already exist in the state. The expansion of Medicaid is an optional set of rules not adopted by state officials. Citizens seeking to benefit from Medicaid will follow the same application and review process as before. Additionally, those not eligible for Medicaid before the expansion are still unlikely to be accepted into the benefits program successfully once learning how to apply for Medicaid. The ACA Medicaid expansion tries to extend care to more low-income individuals, specifically adults who do not meet the other typical requirements. Since South Dakota did not accept the expansion, these residents, in most cases, remain without health care coverage outside of an emergency room.

Medicaid continues to cover such potential beneficiaries as women who are pregnant, minors, parents of children, the disabled and the elderly. Additionally, other Medicaid eligibility requirements remain in place such as income, proof of legal status and medical needs. Petitioners for the program will still need to meet all the eligibility requirements, as determined by state officials. For applicants, the ACA Medicaid expansion in South Dakota does not entail understanding anything new.

Medicaid expansion details are created by the federal government and are enforced on a state level by the Department of Social Services (Division of Economic Assistance). The ACA expansion of Medicaid includes financial help for states to control the expenses associated with new coverage options. Failing to expand Medicaid in South Dakota left thousands of residents without care in a “coverage gap” that still does not provide affordable medical coverage to this day.

Will South Dakota ever expand its Medicaid program?

There are no plans to adopt the Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, due to many factors, including the ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states. Furthermore, as the political climate adapts to the policies of a new administration, plans may change that either update or eliminate the current guidelines. For now, the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application does not apply to residents of South Dakota who are seeking affordable health care. Since the expansion of Medicaid does not concern state citizens, potential recipients of the program will only need to understand the process of getting care that is already in place. Additionally, for individuals who do not know if they qualify, learning the new rules and regulations implemented by the ACA Medicaid expansion may reveal if receiving aid is possible.

Although the state did not adopt the ACA Medicaid expansion, residents who do not qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for other programs. The Department of Social Services manages additional programs, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).