PIERRE, S.D.(KMIT & KXLG)- A bill that would expand Medicaid health coverage eligibility to people who live below 133% of the federal poverty level was defeated in the South Dakota Senate this week.  The issue will now be before voters in the November election.  During her weekly press conference on Thursday, Governor Kristi Noem said she hopes South Dakotans understand what the effects of Medicaid expansion would be.

She says the cost will likely be more than projected.

Noem says those who need Medicaid the most are already covered.

The campaign for Medicaid expansion is being backed by South Dakota’s major health care systems.

Governor Noem held a press conference today at the capitol and was asked if there is a right way to legalize marijuana.

Being a proponent of medical cannabis, there is a certain way she would like to see it done.

How about taxing recreational marijuana, would Gov. Noem support those.

Gov. Noem was asked if she thinks recreational marijuana will pass this Novemeber.