SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — With more than 99% of precincts reporting, Constitutional Amendment D is passing with 56.2% of the vote compared to 43.8% against. The “yes” vote led when results were first reported shortly after 8 p.m. 

Amendment D will amend the South Dakota Constitution to expand Medicaid eligibility to help provide medical coverage for low-income people in designated categories. 

Expanded Medicaid is an initiative under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and provides Medicaid benefits to any person over 18 and under 16 if their income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, plus 5% of the federal poverty level for the classified family size. The income level at 138% for one person is $18,754. 

At 11:42 p.m., South Dakotans Decide Healthcare sent a news release thanking voters for support. 

“We’re glad that South Dakota voters saw that helping our neighbors get health care is the right thing to do,” Dave Kapaska, former CEO of Avera Mckennan and co-chair of the American Heart Association’s volunteer cabinet, said in a news release. 

The Legislative Research Council’s Fiscal Note for Amendment D says Medicaid expansion would cover 42,500 new individuals for a cost of $297 million, which would cost the state $32.5 million and give $63.5 million in general fund savings. 

“Medicaid expansion will be a crucial opportunity for farmers and ranchers across South Dakota to accept affordable healthcare coverage for the first time,” Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union, said in a news release. 

At 11:42 p.m., South Dakotans Decide Healthcare sent a news release thanking voters for support. 

“We’re glad that South Dakota voters saw that helping our neighbors get health care is the right thing to do,” Dave Kapaska, former CEO of Avera Mckennan and co-chair of the American Heart Association’s volunteer cabinet, said in a news release.

Expanded Medicaid is an initiative under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and provides Medicaid benefits to any person over 18 and under 16 if their income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, plus 5% of the federal poverty level for the classified family size. The income level at 138% for one person is $18,754. 

The Legislative Research Council’s Fiscal Note for Amendment D says Medicaid expansion would cover 42,500 new individuals for a cost of $297 million, which would cost the state $32.5 million and give $63.5 million in general fund savings. 

Proponents of Medicaid expansion say it will return more federal tax money to the state and allow South Dakota to use more federal funds on residents’ health.  

Opponents to Medicaid expansion in South Dakota have said expanding health care will impact the state’s budget in the future.