The 2024 south Dakota legislative session wraps up and SDAHO is excited to report several wins for healthcare this year. At the beginning of the session, Governor Kristi Noem proposed a 4% increase for Medicaid Providers, including nursing homes, assisted living, behavioral health, and in-home services. Lawmakers approved the 4% which breaks down to $62.6 million total funds going to healthcare providers, which includes $25.9 million coming from general funds. In addition to the 4%, the legislature approved moving to 98% of methodology for community-based providers, which means an additional $13.3 million total funds.
During the final days, lawmakers passed two bills that will assist long term care facilities with infrastructure and technology needs. SB 80 will provide general funds to improve technology equipment in long-term care. The amended version provides $2 million from the State’s general fund with the intent to fund innovative ideas to improve operational efficiencies and help with workforce challenges.
SB 209 will provide $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act in grant funding for assisted living centers and nursing facilities to purchase and install technology and infrastructure for telemedicine. The South Dakota Department of Health will oversee the grant process.
In addition, we are pleased with the passage of several bills that will positively impact our member hospitals. HB 1147, addresses discriminatory acts against entities participating in a 340B program and will help to protect 340B hospitals and contract pharmacies from discriminatory acts from pharmacy benefit managers.
HB 1097 will authorize transportation activities by air ambulance operators, which will take some of the pressure off our EMS operators and help get patients to the right level of care in a timely fashion.
SB 147 provides for the distribution of informational materials regarding palliative care, which is the first step in providing palliative care education and funding the care team in the future.
This year’s general bill, HB 1259 is the ongoing funding for state government and will begin on July 1.
To learn more about SDAHO’s advocacy efforts, visit our advocacy page: sdaho.org/advocacy
Join us on April 2 at 12pm CT/11am MT for our annual SDAHO Post Legislative Review Webinar. The SDAHO Advocacy team will provide updates on the legislative session in addition to answering any questions. sdaho.org/calendar
