(Pierre, SD) — Rural health providers in South Dakota are bracing for major impacts as Medicaid cuts in a new federal budget law start to take shape. Wade Erickson, CEO of Horizon Health, says the one-trillion dollars in projected federal health care cuts could leave thousands without coverage. It could also delay care and force clinics to reduce services or even close. Horizon treats 26-thousand patients each year. And with 20-percent of its budget tied to Medicaid, the stakes are high. Long-term care leaders also warn the cuts could push already-struggling facilities over the edge. Providers say they’re sounding the alarm now, hoping Congress will reconsider before rural health takes a hit.
