Whether you’re just learning about Medicare or want to reevaluate your coverage options in South Dakota for 2025, knowing your options can help you make the best decision for your healthcare needs and budget.
While Original Medicare coverage and costs are standardized, the costs for Part D plans may vary in your state. Similarly, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan costs vary by location and type of plan. These are private plans that give you the same coverage as Original Medicare.
Here’s what you need to know about your Medicare coverage options in South Dakota.
Medicare is available in every state. Basic Medicare coverage, referred to as Original Medicare, is separated into two parts: Part A and Part B.
You’ll be eligible for Medicare in South Dakota if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and fit one or more of these qualifications:
- You’re 65 years old or over.
- You’re under age 65 and have a chronic condition, such as end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- You’re under age 65 and have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
- You’re receiving or are eligible to receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
You can enroll in Medicare plans in South Dakota through the Social Security Administration. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in original Medicare South Dakota.
If you don’t qualify for Social Security or want to enroll in an Advantage Plan, there are several enrollment periods for Medicare plans in South Dakota.
You can also add a Medigap plan from a private insurer to supplement your Original Medicare plan. There are 10 standardized plans available nationwide.
Learn more: The 3 enrollment periods for Medicare and the Medicare special enrollment period guide.
Medicare South Dakota approves private health insurance carriers to provide Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota.
If you live in South Dakota and you’re eligible for Medicare, you have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, but every plan has its own cost.
There are now 32 Medicare Advantage plans available in this state for 2025, compared to 28 in 2024.
The following carriers offer one or more Medicare plans in South Dakota for 2025, and each has different coverage options and premiums, with the lowest monthly premium being $0 for some plans.
Here are examples of Medicare Advantage providers in South Dakota:
That said, available Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota may vary by county. When searching for Advantage plans, make sure the plans you’re considering are all available in your zip code and county.
Learn more: Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.
Part D covers prescription medication. You can enroll in Part D along with Original Medicare, and some Medicare Advantage plans include Part D plans.
Like Medicare Advantage, Part D plans can have different costs depending on where you live. In 2025, 16 individual Medicare prescription drug plans will be available in South Dakota, and every person enrolled in Medicare can choose from these plans.
In addition, more than half of people enrolled in Part D will be able to choose a plan with a lower premium than in 2024.
Together, Parts A and B cover hospital and medical care. Part A has no premium cost for most people, but you need to reach a deductible of $1,676 before Medicare starts to pay. For Part B, the premium is $185 each month, and the deductible is $257.
The costs for Part D (prescription drugs) and Medicare Advantage vary depending on your zip code. Overall, the average premium for Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota has increased from $24.81 in 2024 to $39.76 in 2025.
Nationally, the projected average total Part D beneficiary premium has been projected to decrease by $7.45 in 2025, from $53.95 in 2024 to $46.50 in 2025. Some plans may have a $0 premium, and you can also enroll in Extra Help, which can help you pay for Part D costs.
There is no estimate of the average cost for Medigap plans, but you can search for the options in your area.
There’s a lot of information to get through when comparing Medicare plans. You’ll need to decide if you need Part D coverage or want to consider Medicare Advantage plans.
Follow these tips to narrow your search and find a plan that matches your needs and your healthcare budget:
- Call your doctor’s office to inquire about the insurance providers they work with: Compare plans that your primary doctor accepts. Not all physicians will accept Medicare payments, and Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota work with specific lists of in-network doctors.
- Make a comprehensive list of all your medications: If you’re comparing Part D or Advantage plans, check your list against the covered medications. Make sure the plan you select will provide the best drug coverage and lower your out-of-pocket costs.
- Look for a plan that will provide adequate coverage for all your healthcare needs: Do you have many additional healthcare expenses, such as vision or hearing care? Do you need coverage for specific medical equipment?
You can find more resources for Medicare plans in South Dakota through these state organizations:
Carefully consider the Medicare coverage you need in 2025, whether original Medicare, an Advantage plan, or a prescription drug plan.
It’s a good idea to make a list of the plans that provide the right drug coverage, fit your budget, and are accepted by your doctor. You can use Medicare’s plan finder to compare these plans and decide which one will give you the best coverage available in South Dakota.