Affordable Health Insurance in South Dakota

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Serving the Mount Rushmore State with quality health insurance marketplace coverage.

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South Dakota Health Insurance Fast Facts

$455

Average monthly savings with subsidies in South Dakota

35K+

South Dakota residents enrolled in marketplace plans (2025)

Insurance carriers offering coverage in South Dakota (2026)

11.5%

Uninsured rate in South Dakota

Health Insurance in South Dakota: Your Complete Guide

Finding affordable health insurance in South Dakota is easier than ever with the health insurance marketplace. Whether you're looking for cheap health insurance, comprehensive medical insurance, or exploring the health insurance marketplace, South Dakota residents have access to quality coverage options through HealthCare.gov, the federal exchange.

Understanding the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace

The health insurance marketplace in South Dakota operates through HealthCare.gov, the federal exchange that helps residents compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance plans. The marketplace offers medical insurance from 2 carriers, ensuring you can find cheap health insurance that meets your needs and budget.

South Dakota has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The state's uninsured rate is 11.5%, above the national average.

Average Health Insurance Costs in South Dakota

For a 40-year-old, Silver health insurance plans in South Dakota average $695 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $535 monthly. However, most South Dakota residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $455. About 77% of marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits.

How to Save on Health Insurance in South Dakota

South Dakota residents have multiple ways to reduce their medical insurance costs and find affordable health insurance. Here are proven strategies to save on your health insurance marketplace coverage:

1. Premium Tax Credits

South Dakota residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for premium tax credits. On average, South Dakota residents save $455 per month through these enhanced subsidies. These credits automatically reduce your monthly health insurance premium when you enroll through the health insurance marketplace.

2. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)

If your income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions. CSRs help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medical insurance, making your affordable health insurance even more budget-friendly. In 2025, 43% of South Dakota marketplace enrollees selected plans with CSR benefits.

3. Compare All Metal Tiers

When comparing health insurance quotes, calculate total costs including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Sometimes a higher-tier plan provides better value for frequent healthcare users. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower costs when you need care.

4. Consider HMO Plans

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans typically feature lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to PPO plans. While coverage options may be more restricted, HMOs offer cheap health insurance for those who don't mind staying in-network and obtaining referrals for specialists.

South Dakota Health Insurance FAQs

When is open enrollment for health insurance in South Dakota?

Open enrollment for the South Dakota health insurance marketplace runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. This is when most South Dakota residents can compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance or change their medical insurance plans for the upcoming year. If you miss this window, you'll need a qualifying life event to access a special enrollment period.

How much does health insurance cost in South Dakota?

The average cost of health insurance in South Dakota varies by age, location, and plan type. For a 40-year-old, Silver plans average $695 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $535 monthly. However, most South Dakota residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $455. When shopping for cheap health insurance, remember that Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care.

What is the health insurance marketplace?

The health insurance marketplace in South Dakota operates through HealthCare.gov where South Dakota residents can compare health insurance quotes, apply for affordable health insurance, and enroll in medical insurance plans. It offers plans from 2 major insurance carriers. The marketplace also helps determine if you qualify for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or Medicaid. The platform makes it easy to find cheap health insurance that meets your healthcare needs and budget.

What's the difference between HMO and PPO health insurance plans in South Dakota?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans typically offer cheaper health insurance with lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but you must stay within the plan's network and get referrals to see specialists. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans cost more but provide greater flexibility—you can see out-of-network providers and don't need referrals for specialists. When comparing health insurance quotes on the South Dakota health insurance marketplace, consider your healthcare usage patterns. If you rarely see doctors and want affordable health insurance, an HMO might be ideal. If you want maximum flexibility and don't mind higher premiums, a PPO offers more freedom.

How do premium tax credits work in South Dakota?

Premium tax credits are subsidies that make health insurance more affordable for South Dakota residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, that's roughly $15,060 to $60,240 for an individual, or $31,200 to $124,800 for a family of four. These credits are applied directly to your monthly health insurance premium, reducing what you pay out of pocket. South Dakota residents save an average of $455 per month through these enhanced subsidies. When you apply for coverage through the health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov automatically calculates your eligibility and shows you the reduced premium for affordable health insurance plans.

Compare health insurance quotes from South Dakota’s top providers:

Sanford Health Plan

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Aetna

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

Humana