The South Dakota Department of Social Services has launched a 30-day public comment period on its proposed Medicaid work requirement waiver.
Under the waiver, Medicaid expansion recipients must work, attend school or job training, or be a caregiver to qualify. Exemptions include disabilities, pregnancy, and living in low-employment areas. The department plans to verify compliance during annual renewals.
Following a 2024 voter-approved amendment adding work requirements to Medicaid expansion, officials expect enrollment to drop slightly, either as people gain employment or fail to meet requirements.
The state’s proposal differs in some ways from pending federal legislation, and DSS continues to navigate evolving federal guidelines.
A public forum is scheduled for June 12 in Sioux Falls to gather further input.