2026 Medicare Advantage Plans in South Dakota by County
Use the ZIP code tool or county list below to view Medicare Advantage plans available in South Dakota for 2026. Availability and plan details vary by location.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
South Dakota Medicare Advantage Plans: An Overview
While many people stay with Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a large share of beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage instead. Often called Medicare Part C, these plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and must include all the benefits of Original Medicare.
That said, each plan can vary in important ways, including its provider network, costs, and any extra benefits. Comparing these details closely will help you decide which plan best matches your situation.
The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Quality System
Medicare Star Ratings are an important tool for evaluating Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota. Each year, CMS assigns a rating from 1 to 5 stars, with higher scores indicating stronger performance across several measures.
These measures include things like preventive care, chronic condition management, customer service, and member experience. Reviewing Star Ratings can help you understand how one plan stacks up against another.
Not all South Dakota County areas will have a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan available. A 4-star plan can still reflect strong quality and performance. As you compare your options, make sure to review each plan’s Star Rating.
Factors to Weigh in Addition to Star Ratings
A plan’s Star Rating is a helpful benchmark, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Think about what matters most to you. If access to wellness or fitness programs is a priority, confirm that the plan offers those options.
Understanding Prescription Coverage Under Part D
Many Medicare Advantage options come bundled with Part D drug coverage. If you need medications on a regular basis, take time to review the formulary — the document that lists covered drugs and their cost tiers.
Watch for conditions such as prior approval requirements or quantity restrictions. Being aware of these rules can make a big difference in planning and controlling your prescription expenses.
Doctors, Specialists, and Hospitals in Your Network
Most Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, meaning you’ll generally need to get care from doctors, hospitals, and specialists in that network unless it’s an emergency. This is different from Original Medicare, which allows broader access.
Check whether your current providers are included in a plan’s network to avoid disruptions in care. It’s also wise to look at the network’s overall reach, particularly if you split time between locations or travel frequently.
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket costs vary across Medicare Advantage plans. Expenses such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance determine what you’ll pay for care. Reviewing plan documents or using the Medicare.gov Plan Finder can help you estimate your yearly costs based on your expected healthcare use.
Choosing a plan that matches your health situation and likely service needs may help you manage expenses. Don’t forget to account for costs tied to extra benefits like dental or vision when building a full budget picture.
How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in South Dakota
Take your time when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan — it’s an important decision that affects your healthcare and budget. Review the plans South Dakota offers using reliable sources and comparison tools.
A good place to begin is Medicare’s official Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, where you can compare plans side by side based on your zip code and needs. You may also want to explore online resources, check plan documents, and talk with people you trust who are already enrolled.
Where to Turn for Medicare Guidance
Sorting through Medicare Advantage choices can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Help is available through licensed agents and brokers, as well as directly from Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
They can walk you through plan comparisons, clarify coverage, and provide support in selecting an option that works for you. Reaching out for guidance can bring peace of mind during the decision process.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
The MA and MAPD plans available though this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in South Dakota.
Plans Offered for Enrollment through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, HealthSpring℠, HealthSun, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint
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