Sioux Falls, S.D. – Today marks 12 years since the historic passage of the Affordable Care Act, and yet roughly 42,500 South Dakotans remain uninsured, denied coverage by state lawmakers who refuse to increase access to Medicaid.
South Dakota is one of only 12 states that has not increased access to health insurance coverage through its Medicaid program despite overwhelming evidence that doing so would improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and benefit the state’s economy. After years of inaction by lawmakers, South Dakota voters will decide whether to increase access to Medicaid on this November’s ballot. Passing Amendment D would help hardworking, lower income families, farmers and employees of small businesses get the healthcare they deserve, return tax dollars to the state, and benefit rural hospitals and communities.
“Where you live shouldn’t determine if you live. Unfortunately, in South Dakota it does,” said David Benson, South Dakota government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “Everyone deserves a fair and equitable chance to fight cancer, manage chronic illnesses and maintain their health. Medicaid makes that possible – but by not increasing access to Medicaid coverage, we are denying people this basic human right.”
Recent research from the American Cancer Society has found in states that have expanded access to Medicaid coverage, early-stage diagnoses increased, particularly among rural and Black patients; Medicaid expansion was associated with a greater increase in one-year overall survival rates, especially in the poorest areas of states; and higher Medicaid income eligibility limits were associated with better long-term survival, consistent across a variety of cancers and for patients with both early and late stage diagnosis.
“Until we increase access to Medicaid, too many lives will be at risk,” Benson continued. “The benefits of extending eligibility limits for low-income individuals through Medicaid are clear and we need to finally close the coverage gap. We urge all South Dakotans to vote yes on Amendment D this November because no one should suffer a day without the health care coverage they need and deserve.”
ACS CAN is part of South Dakotans Decide Healthcare, one of the broadest coalitions to ever launch a ballot initiative in the state. To get involved in efforts to pass Amendment D and increase Medicaid expansion in November, visit www.southdakotansdecide.org.
This year alone, nearly 5,400 South Dakotans will hear the words ‘you have cancer.’ Those who are uninsured can’t wait any longer for coverage.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.