YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- Backers of a petition drive in South Dakota to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot are also watching similar efforts in Congress. There are bills that have been introduced to expand Medicaid in the twelve states that have not yet done it.

Rick Weiland, with “Dakotans for Health” says they aren’t going to wait for Congress to act.

Opponents to Medicaid expansion have pointed to the yearly costs to the state that could range up to twenty-five million dollars a year.

Weiland says the return on the state investment will more than make up the difference.

Weiland says many younger people are going without health insurance coverage now.

His group is gathering signatures for a constitutional amendment to be placed on next year’s general election ballot.