Medicaid expansion advocates prepare for 2022 ballot push

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota attorney general has filed explanations for a pair of 2022 ballot measures that would expand federal Medicaid eligibility in the state.

Supporters of the measures will need to gather thousands of signatures to get a pair of items on the November 2022 general election ballot. Both measures aim to make Medicaid health insurance available to people who live below 133% of the federal poverty level. That is currently about $17,000 for an individual or $35,000 for a family of four.

Former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rick Weiland is sponsoring the proposals. He says he hopes to build a bi-partisan coalition around the issue.