Insurance Resources

The following resources may help individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or have Medicare coverage.

Insurance Marketplace

The Insurance Marketplace can help if you don’t have health coverage. When you use the Marketplace, you’ll need to provide information about your household size and income to find out if you qualify for a subsidy to help pay your monthly premium for private insurance plans. You’ll also learn if you qualify for assistance with out-of-pocket costs or for free or low-cost coverage available through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Learn more at healthcare.gov. 

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal and state-funded program that provides health coverage for people who meet certain eligibility standards. If you are eligible, Medicaid will act as your insurance company and may pay for medically necessary services.

The start of medical coverage with Medicaid depends on the date the application is received by the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). Medical coverage may go back 3 months prior to the month the application is received by DSS if you have unpaid medical bills and you meet eligibility requirements during this time period.

Learn more at the State Medicaid Enrollment Website.

Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 and older and under age 65 on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) is a federally funded program through the Administration for Community Living and administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Long Term Services and Support. It provides free, confidential and unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries in South Dakota.

Learn more about Understanding Medicare – SHIINE.