Representative Tony Venhuizen stated, “In South Dakota, we believe social programs should be a hand up during tough times, not a way of life.”
South Dakota voters will be deciding on an amendment in the upcoming November elections that would require physically and mentally capable Medicaid recipients to work.
The proposed amendment, known as the Medicaid Work Requirement Amendment or Amendment F, aims to amend the state’s Constitution to enforce a work requirement on able-bodied individuals enrolled in Medicaid.
This Medicaid Work Requirement would need approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In 2022, the state’s voters approved the expansion of Medicaid to include adults aged 18 to 65 with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
Representative Tony Venhuizen highlighted that the expanded Medicaid population in the state consists of working-age, able-bodied adults. He mentioned, “This amendment would allow future South Dakota policymakers to consider a work requirement, subject to federal government approval.”
Mr. Venhuizen emphasized that social programs like Medicaid should not be viewed as a way of life but rather as a temporary support system. He added, “In South Dakota, we believe social programs should be a hand up during tough times, not a way of life.”
The decision to place Amendment F on the ballot was made by North Dakota lawmakers, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposing it.
Some lawmakers, including Representative Kadyn Wittman, expressed opposition to the amendment, citing concerns about its potential negative impact on low-income residents and health outcomes.
Senator Reynold Nesiba also opposed Amendment F, stating that it could lead to increased property taxes and administrative costs.
Georgia is currently the only state with Medicaid work requirements, following a legal battle with the Biden administration to implement and extend the program.
Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage Program includes various qualifying activities such as employment, on-the-job training, volunteering, vocational education, and job readiness assistance for Medicaid recipients.
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