South Dakota Health Insurance
Find the right health insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
South Dakota natives work hard and play hard. That's why you need great health insurance to protect yourself from the cost of an injury or an illness and get back to your life quickly. Health insurance is easy to find here in South Dakota. Even if you have coverage through your employer, you might be able to get a better price by shopping for medical insurance quotes and finding out what's available on the market.
Top Health Risks in South Dakota
- More than 66% of SD residents are overweight or obese.
- 28% of people in SD smoke or use tobacco.
- 30% of the population of SD has high blood pressure.
- 8% have diabetes.
- 10% of SD adults aged 18 to 64 have no health insurance.
The South Dakota Department of Health reports that in 2012, 23 percent of South Dakota residents did not participate in any regular physical activity in their leisure time. That statistic, combined with an alarmingly high obesity rate, makes dangers like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure even more prevalent. Having the right health insurance policy can make it easier to get the proactive care you need to stay healthy and ward off illnesses and problems before they get serious.
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You Must Carry Health Insurance
For the first time in U.S. history, you must carry health insurance, or pay a fine of up to $285 per family or 1 percent of your household income, whichever is greater. If the cost of health insurance is prohibitive for you, you might need to get a catastrophic healthcare plan with a high deductible. However, with the help of an independent agent, you may be able to find better coverage at a rate you can afford.
What Kind of Health Insurance Is Available in South Dakota?
There are several types of medical insurance plans on the market today. The one that is right for you is the one that best fits your medical needs, your budget and your preferences. These are a few of the most popular health plans. You can get customized quotes on any of these in South Dakota:
- Health Maintenance Organization: These plans tend to be a bit more affordable than others are, but your choice of doctor is limited to a network of healthcare providers. You must choose one physician from the network as your primary physician, and you must get referrals through your primary physician to see specialists. These plans cover only in-network specialists. If you need to see a variety of specialists for your care, it could be difficult to work with an HMO.
- Preferred Provider Organization: These plans give you greater freedom to choose the doctors and specialists you wish to see. Reimbursement for out-of-network providers is at a lower rate than for in-network providers. This is a great option for those who need to see multiple physicians or want greater flexibility in their choice of doctor.
- Health Savings Account: If you are generally in good health and want more control over your finances, you might be eligible for an HSA. This is a tax-protected savings account that combines with a high-deductible healthcare plan. You pay money each month into an account set aside to pay for healthcare if you ever need it. You also pay a smaller premium for a high-deductible medical insurance policy.
- Indemnity: Also known as a fee-for-service plan, this is a great option for those who can afford to pay all of their medical expenses up front. The policy reimburses you for up to 80 percent of your covered expenses, after the fact. It offers more freedom than any other plan in choosing the providers and services you need.
Ready to Save On Insurance?
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Getting Health Insurance from Your Employer
The medical insurance policies offered by your employer should meet the requirements of the Affordable Healthcare Act and may be the best deal you can get. However, many people are surprised to find that there are plans available with better coverage and lower rates outside the workplace. It always pays to shop around and to talk to a local agent to make sure you're getting the best quotes and plans available to you. Independent agents often have group healthcare policies that well-known companies can't match.
Where To Get Health Insurance Quotes
You can find an independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network throughout South Dakota. Independent agents work with many different insurance companies, so they can shop around for you. Many times, these agents can find better, more affordable coverage than your employer can offer. A local agent can sit down with you and discuss your family size, budget and healthcare needs to help you choose the type of plan that is best for you.
Contact an independent agent for great health insurance at great prices.