PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)

Almost a year later, and the number of South Dakotans taking advantage of the expansion of medicaid benefits is still much lower than expected.

Voters approved the change two years ago, and the State Department of Social Services rolled out the expanded benefits last July.

The state budgeted for 52-thousand people to take advantage of the expanded eligibility, but so far, there are only 22-thousand more enrolled.

Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff says the lower numbers have helped make the enrollment process smooth…

Althoff also commends his staff for the way they’ve handled the extra workload.

His comments were made to the Legislature’s Appropriations committee.