The 101st South Dakota Legislative Session is in full swing, and CHAD is on the ground in Pierre to ensure the voices of our health centers and patients are heard. Over 600 bills were filed, many pertaining to property tax relief and data centers.
CHAD has been closely following 37 health bills. 4 of the bills we’re tracking are still active and working their way through committees and floor votes in both chambers. You can take a look at our bill list here.
From securing sustainable funding to protecting our frontline workers, here is a look at the key issues we are tracking for our members:
Prioritizing Financial Sustainability
Currently, health centers are reimbursed at only 60% of the cost of providing care. Our goal is to secure fair Medicaid payments to ensure our centers can continue providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services to the 126,000+ South Dakotans who get care at health centers. Adequate reimbursement is essential for the long-term stability of our community health centers (CHCs) and our ability to keep our doors open in underserved areas.
CHAD and health center leaders have had a strong presence in Pierre, including presenting in legislative committees and work groups. The Joint Committee on Appropriations Medicaid workgroup made a recommendation to the full committee to update reimbursement rates for health centers in addition to ensuring that FQHCs are written into a statute that requires rate reviews every 5 years.
Rural Health Transformation & Workforce
House Bill 1044 has been signed into law! This bill provides spending authority of federal funding for the first two years of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Year 3 spending authority will be granted in the 102nd Legislative Session, year 4 spending authority will be granted in the 103rd Legislative Session, and year 5 spending authority will be granted in the 104th Legislative Session.
Several bills strengthening professional licensing compacts have passed, making it easier for health professionals to work across state lines. Additionally, a bill creating a State Apprenticeship Program has passed, giving the state flexibility and trainees more opportunities to get hands-on experience.
Defending Public Health and Quality Care
Advocacy isn’t just about what we pass; it’s also about what we stop. Several bills were introduced that countered science, altered provider rights and responsibilities, or would have negative public health implications. Many provider groups stood in solidarity to defeat these harmful bills. One of our biggest achievements was stopping a bill seeking to repeal Medicaid expansion.
What’s Ahead
With only one week left of legislative session, policy bills are wrapping up and the budget setting process is nearing completion. Finalizing and passing the 2027 state budget is a messy endeavor and will be the last thing legislators do before leaving Pierre and concluding the session.
Once session wraps up and legislators go back to their districts, the CHAD team will work to continue building relationships and generating support for health centers by facilitating tours and meetings in-district.
