How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Work in South Dakota?
Guessing the correct price of an item was a central element to the popular and long-running game show The Price is Right, hosted by South Dakota native Bob Barker. When it comes to Medicare Insurance, it’s not quite as simple as spinning the wheel or guessing a range. For South Dakota residents getting ready to turn 65, it’s time to start doing your research when it comes to the costs and benefits of healthcare options such as Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota.
If you’ve already begun your game plan, you might know that Medicare Advantage plans are also called Medicare Part C. Regardless of the name used, Medicare Advantage/Part C plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical/doctor’s office insurance). South Dakota residents can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan through private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage insurance is approved by Medicare, offers at least the same level of coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B and replaces coverage by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits that may be included. South Dakota residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan because these types of benefits are often included.
Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in South Dakota?
South Dakota residents who are already eligible for Medicare Parts A and B and who live in an area of the state (zip code and county) where Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are sold are eligible for a Part C plan. An Advantage plan can possibly save you money because many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Deductibles, copayments and coinsurance vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you choose to enroll.
South Dakota residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan helps provide coverage for some of the gaps in coverage including copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Does a Medicare Advantage Plan in South Dakota Cover Prescription Drugs?
Any resident residing in the 605-area code of South Dakota who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider buying a Medicare Part C plan because most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage is called a MAPD and provides coverage for some of the prescription drug costs. If prescription drug coverage is important to you, you may want to check out a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plan in South Dakota
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in South Dakota is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among South Dakota residents who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, 91% are enrolled in a Local PPO and 9% are enrolled in an HMO/HMOPOS plan, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage plan in South Dakota for your needs and budget.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in South Dakota by contacting a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in your area, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you find a plan that meets your budget and needs.
South Dakota Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in South Dakota opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re a South Dakota resident with a November birthday, your IEP runs from August through February.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, South Dakota residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, South Dakota residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is a South Dakota Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
The choice is yours. When you’re ready to ensure you are getting all the available Medicare benefits you deserve, SelectQuote can help. We can also assist you with staying up to date on the changes insurance companies make to Medicare plans annually. As a trusted independent third-party company who helps consumers understand their Medicare options, SelectQuote is here to help you find the right Medicare Advantage plan in South Dakota to meet your individual needs.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
