Medicare in South Dakota: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide
- 19 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide (South Dakota: 66 counties; CMS 2026 Fact Sheet)
- 34 Medigap carriers offering Plan G (TPP rate database, CY2026)
- 11 standalone Part D plans in PDP Region 25 (IA/MN/MT/ND/NE/SD/WY)
- Avg MA premium $57.85/mo in 2026 (was $36.74 in 2025) (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet)
- LIS benchmark: $41.47/mo (Region 25)
South Dakota Medicare Snapshot
South Dakota has 19 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide for 2026 (CMS 2026 Medicare MA & Part D Landscape State-by-State Fact Sheet), with the specific plans offered varying by county within South Dakota’s 66 counties. Most South Dakota Medigap policies are attained-age rated.
The average monthly MA premium in South Dakota is $57.85 in 2026 (changed from $36.74 in 2025; CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.
| Metric | South Dakota 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MA plans available | 19 statewide (South Dakota: 66 counties) | CMS 2026 MA & Part D Landscape Fact Sheet |
| Avg MA premium | $57.85/mo (2025: $36.74) | CMS 2026 MA & Part D Landscape Fact Sheet |
| Medigap carriers (Plan G) | 34 (most carriers use attained-age) | TPP internal data, CY2026 |
| HDG carriers | 24 (most carriers use attained-age) | TPP internal data, CY2026 |
| Standalone Part D plans | 11 (PDP Region 25 — IA/MN/MT/ND/NE/SD/WY) | CMS 2026 MA & Part D Landscape Fact Sheet |
| Part D LIS benchmark (Region 25) | $41.47/mo | CMS CY2026 Regional Rates & Benchmarks |
Plan Types Available in South Dakota
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
South Dakota offers 19 Medicare Advantage plans statewide for 2026 (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). Top MA carriers include Medica, Aetna Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. Check Medicare Plan Finder for per-plan star ratings in your county.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
South Dakota uses the standard federal Medigap plan letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N, plus HDG and HDF). 34 carriers offer Plan G in South Dakota in the TPP rate database (CY2026, non-tobacco, ages 65–85). Plans C, F, and High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) are closed to anyone who first became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020 (under MACRA 2015); beneficiaries who were Medicare-eligible before that date may still buy Plans C, F, or HDF from carriers that continue to offer them. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the post-2020 high-deductible Medigap option and is offered by 24 South Dakota carriers.
Most South Dakota Medigap policies are attained-age rated. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →
Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
South Dakota is in CMS PDP Region 25 (IA/MN/MT/ND/NE/SD/WY). For 2026, there are 11 standalone PDP plans available (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet).
Costs in South Dakota
Medicare Advantage Premiums
The average monthly MA premium in South Dakota is $57.85 in 2026 (changed from $36.74 in 2025; CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.
Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG
Most South Dakota Medigap policies are attained-age rated. Across the 34 South Dakota Plan G carriers (non-tobacco, ages 65–85), Plan G monthly premiums in 2026 range from approximately $126 to $637/month(TPP rate database, CY2026).
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 24 South Dakota carriers; premiums range from approximately $117 to $605/month(TPP rate database, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the high-deductible amount (CMS’s 2026 Medigap high-deductible options notice publishes the current dollar figure).
Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark
For 2026, South Dakota (PDP Region 25 — IA/MN/MT/ND/NE/SD/WY) has 11 standalone PDP plans (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for Region 25 is$41.47/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).
South Dakota-Specific Medicare Rules
No State Medigap Birthday Rule
South Dakota does not have a state Medigap Birthday Rule or Anniversary Rule. Outside of the federal 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period and qualifying federal guaranteed-issue events, most Medigap purchases in South Dakota are subject to medical underwriting at the carrier's discretion.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
South Dakota offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through South Dakota Medicaid (Department of Social Services):
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.
Apply through South Dakota Medicaid (Department of Social Services) or contact South Dakota SHIIP (1-888-828-6337) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →
South Dakota SHIIP
South Dakota SHIIP is South Dakota's federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide through trained volunteers.
Phone: 1-888-828-6337
Website: dlr.sd.gov/aging/shiip.aspx
Enrolling in Medicare in South Dakota
Standard Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
- Federal 6-month Medigap OEP: Starts when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →
South Dakota SHIIP Counseling
Contact South Dakota SHIIP at 1-888-828-6337 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.