(Continued from page 18)

• Dave Hewett, president of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, said some payment is better than none. He said people without insurance now often delay getting medical care until they are seriously ill and then show up at emergency rooms or need other expensive care. An expanded Medicaid program would provide less expensive treatment earlier for those currently uninsured people, he said.
• "They're trying to keep food on the table, lights on in the home and a roof over their heads," Hewett said.
• Rep. Mark Mickelson, R-Sioux Falls, a member of the task force, said he is interested in helping people who face a financial catastrophe when they are hit with a huge medical bill.
• "They have a $50,000 bill and it blows up their life," Mickelson said.
• The task force also heard a report on arguments commonly given to support or oppose expanding Medicaid.
• Arguments for expanding Medicaid include having the federal government pay most of the cost, improving the health of low-income people, boosting the economy with the extra medical spending and giving people something in return for the taxes they pay. Supporters also argue that Medicaid is a cost-effective way to provide medical care.
• Arguments against the expansion include doubt that the federal government can afford it, the extra state spending for its 10 percent share, and a possible shortage of doctors and medical facilities to care for extra patients.
•

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- State Rep. Jon Hansen has announced plans to resign from his seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives to attend law school.
• Hansen, of Dell Rapids, is resigning as representative from District 25, which includes north and east Minnehaha County, including the cities of Dell Rapids, Baltic, Garretson, Colton, Lyons, Valley Springs and Rowena. It also includes an area in eastern Sioux Falls. He has been a member of the state House since 2011.
• Hansen plans to officially submit his resignation in August to attend law school at the University of South Dakota.
• Gov. Dennis Daugaard is asking members of the public to nominate candidates to fill the position.
• Those wishing to offer nominations should contact Will Mortenson in the Office of the Governor at 605-773-5999.
•

(Continued on page 20)