Daniel Heinemann, MD, the association’s president, told a group of physicians in Rapid City, S.D., that not expanding Medicaid will lead to the uninsured putting off needed care until they end up in the emergency room, resulting in a financial strain on hospitals. Hospitals will then shift the cost of unpaid bills onto private insurers, who will in turn increase premiums, he told the group.
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, states have the option of expanding Medicaid to cover people earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level in 2014. If South Dakota expanded its program, it would cover 48,000 uninsured residents, according to the report.
South Dakota is currently not moving forward with an expansion.
More Articles on Medicaid Expansion:
New Hampshire Legislators to Work on Medicaid Expansion Agreement
Analysis: 5.2M People Could Fall Into PPACA Coverage Gap
Report: Alabama Economy Would Benefit From Medicaid Expansion
