South Dakota: Oh, yeah: Over 50,000 residents become newly eligible for Medicaid in July.

A reminder via Dakota News Now:

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Although Medicaid expansion in the state of South Dakota doesn’t take effect for another month, the window to apply opened on Thursday. A kickoff event was held for advocates and patients to review the benefits for those who qualify.

“Today has been long overdue. No one should have to choose between bankrupting their family and getting the health coverage they need,” said Dr. Dan Johnson from the American Cancer Society.

After the hard work of gathering petition signatures and talking to voters, Medicaid expansion advocates are celebrating enrollment opening for South Dakota residents.

...Over 50,000 people will be eligible for Medicaid, as voters approved Constitutional Amendment D last November. Erik Nelson, an advocate with AARP, has had positive conversations with the state handling the logistics of enrollment.

...Even if applicants don’t have their application completed by the July 1 effective date, a plan is in place.

“It does expect an increase in applications. But even if you’re not approved right ahead of July 1, there is some retroactivity,” said Nelson.

South Dakota residents can learn more about Medicaid expansion here.

Interestingly, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) didn't officially approve SD Medicaid expansion until May 23rd, which seems to be cutting it a bit close:

CMS Approves South Dakota’s Medicaid Coverage Expansion to New Adult Group Effective July 1, 2023 

May 23: CMS approved a state plan amendment (SPA) allowing South Dakota to expand Medicaid coverage to adults with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level beginning July 1, 2023. Under the Affordable Care Act, states have the authority to expand Medicaid coverage, and with the addition of South Dakota, 39 states plus the District of Columbia have done so.