South Dakota

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The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in South Dakota. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit the health insurance section of our Web site for options available to you. 

South Dakota Division of Insurance - (605) 773-3563
In South Dakota, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in South Dakota, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Division of Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

South Dakota Medicaid - (605) 773-3165
Medicaid is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.

South Dakota High Risk Pool - (800) 868-2500
The South Carolina state high-risk pool is a program that allows individual health insurance policies to be sold only to HIPAA-eligible individuals. To qualify for this program in South Dakota you must:

• Be a resident of South Dakota
• Apply within 63 days of losing your prior coverage.
• Have at least 12 months of continuous creditable coverage.
• Have used up COBRA or state continuation coverage.
• Have not had your most recent coverage terminated due to nonpayment of premiums or fraud.
• Not be covered or eligible for coverage under a group health plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other form of health insurance.

Please contact the high risk pool for more information.

South Dakota Child Insurance Program (SDCHIP) - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 305-3064
The South Dakota Child Insurance Program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 whose families may have too great an income or assets to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. To find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines, please contact SDCHIP directly.

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.

Having trouble finding or keeping adequate or affordable health insurance coverage? Become a diabetes advocate!