YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota legislators this year included a 10 percent increase in Medicaid funding for nursing home patients, which will be about an $18 million boost.

Representative Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says Governor Kristi Noem also included $5 million in innovation grants.

Hunhoff says it is one time money.

Hunhoff, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, says nursing homes have to change their management practices.

About a dozen nursing home have closed in recent years, most connected to the low Medicaid reimbursement rate.