SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The issue of potential Medicaid cuts has been at the forefront of many protests and discussions across the country and in Sioux Falls. Now, a newly formed coalition is looking to carry on that fight.

The coalition is called “Hands Off Medicaid” and they are looking to rally support to encourage senators in South Dakota and around the country to oppose the cuts in the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

The group estimates that if the cuts from the Big Beautiful Bill are passed then almost 27,000 South Dakotans could lose out on coverage entirely.

“This is a sharp reversal of an eighty-year trend to try and get families the health care that they need,” Earl Pomeroy, a former North Dakota congressman said.

Dr. Thomas Dean, a doctor with over 30 years of practice in family medicine, said it will hurt many mothers in the state.

“Medicaid is a major payer for prenatal and delivery and post-partum care and that’s a major concern, especially in rural areas but across the country,” Dr. Dean said.

Without Medicaid, Dr. Dean said medical care for the pregnancy journey is tough to support.

“OB care typically is a money loser for hospitals, especially for small rural hospitals that are already financially stressed and if we lose Medicaid coverage it will make that problem worse,” Dr. Dean explained.

Nearly 150,000 South Dakotans are enrolled in Medicaid with 42% of enrollments being pregnant and postpartum women.

“Often those adults aren’t eligible for Medicaid until they have a dependent which makes their dependent eligible. When babies are born, that is often the first time people are able to receive Medicaid and we’re grateful that kids born into Medicaid have the access to the services that they need,” Dr. Dean said.

The Big Beautiful Bill narrowly passed the Congressional House and is now waiting on a vote in the Senate.

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