PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A Republican-backed measure to expand Medicaid in South Dakota and keep it from the ballot this fall has failed to move farther than the South Dakota Senate.  Senator Wayne Steinhauer says expanding Medicaid is already at a 60-percent approval in the public’s eye before any campaigning has started.

Senator John Wiik of Big Stone City says the Senate has already worked on affordable health care.

Senator Troy Heinert of Mission says the bill would benefit Native American communities in need of health care.

Senate Bill 186 failed to pass the Senate on a 12 to 23 vote.