Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policies

South Dakota requires insurers to offer at least one Medicare Supplement policy to adults under sixty-five afflicted with disability.

 

Mini-COBRA Policies

South Dakota requires employers to provide continuation coverage for thirty-six months. However, after eighteen months the employee's contribution raises from 102% to 150%.

 

Medicare Savings Programs

South Dakota has three Medicare Savings Programs:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs): For individuals with a monthly income under $903 and for couples with a monthly income under $1214, the state pays all premiums for Part B and all Co-Pays and Deductibles for Part A & Part B.

• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs): For individuals with income under $1083 or couples with income under $1457, the state pays premiums for Part B.

• Qualified Individuals (QIs): For individuals with income under $1218 or for couples with an income under $1639, the state pays premiums for Part B.

To qualify for any one of these programs, participants must have assets below $6,600 or be part of a couple with assets below $9,910.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
The Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program of South Dakota is administered by the South Dakota Dept. of Social Services, Adult Services and Aging, in Pierre, SD. SHIINE offers information on Medicare and its related insurance, makes referrals for State and Federal programs and provides Long Term Care education. www.shiine.net

High-Risk Pool
South Dakota does have a high-risk insurance pool, available on the basis of HIPAA and medical eligibility.

Low-Income Subsidy (“extra-help”) for Prescription Drugs 
This program is a subsidy for Medicare Part D recipients with resources under $13,070 (or $26,120 for a couple) to receive money towards a Medicare prescription drug plan. The benchmark of support is different depending on which region of the country you live in. In South Dakota in 2012, the low-income subsidy was $36.02 per month.

 

If you live in South Dakota, and you are interested in getting a Medicare Plan, please contact the Medicare experts at eAmeriFamily Insurance.  They are industry veterans and will guide you through the process of getting the right Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or MediGap Plan for you.