Concerns about rural healthcare in South Dakota have people coming together to make their voices heard.
United Today, Stronger Tomorrow, a nonprofit advocacy group working to protect access to healthcare, has led town halls across the state, where everyday residents are sharing their experiences and viewpoints.
Diane Chamberlain, a volunteer for the group, said she was encouraged by all the new faces at the meetings this summer.
“People need to be heard. They need to feel safe. They need to feel like they don’t have to defend their illnesses, their need for care,” Chamberlain explained.
Chamberlain is concerned people might not be aware of major changes ahead, which she described as potentially painful, including new Medicaid work requirements starting in January and the Trump administration ending temporary subsidies for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans ahead of schedule. Independent analysts said the extra relief appeared to be keeping certain premiums lower, despite White House arguments the aid was only benefiting insurers.
The group also wants to raise awareness about how South Dakota is spending its share of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds.
Jace Woodward, member leader for the group, works in healthcare by scheduling appointments at his local clinic. He said with clinics closing across the state, people have to travel longer distances for care. He called the federal program a band-aid, pushing the hurt down the road.
“This money was a great investment but all the money doesn’t actually get any new patients in the doors. Anyone who’s avoided care due to cost before is still going to feel the same tomorrow, even after this money is spent,” Woodward pointed out.
South Dakota has already awarded nearly $122 million this year, mostly for technology and data modernization grants the governor said will create a more connected healthcare system for people statewide.
Woodward added turnout was strong at his group’s town halls. He stressed they want to keep momentum by ensuring the funds are well spent through a transparent process and by advocating for everyone to do less harm when it comes to healthcare.
Greater Dakota News Service