Best health Insurance plans in

South Dakota

in 2025

Choosing a health plan for your business can be complicated and opaque. When evaluating your options, there are a few key factors you should consider:  

• Costs: Evaluate both the premiums (monthly costs paid by the employer and/or employee) and the out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance). Balance these against the overall value and coverage provided. 
• Flexibility: Consider whether the options allow employees to choose their insurance based on their own unique needs.  
• Quality of Service: Research the reputation and customer satisfaction ratings of the provider and their network of healthcare providers or health plan options. 
• Compliance: Ensure that the plan complies with all relevant regulations and laws, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements if applicable. 
• Feedback from Employees: Gathering input from your employees about their healthcare needs and preferences can provide valuable insights into choosing an option that best meets their expectations.

Venteur administers an ICHRA – an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Instead of picking an expensive and inflexible group plan, you set a budget and your employees use Venteur to shop for the plan that works best for them. This allows your employees who elect to enroll in health benefits to pick from the plans available in their state!

The cost of health insurance in South Dakota varies, but many residents receive financial assistance. In 2025, the average monthly premium for subsidy-eligible enrollees was about $125 after subsidies. For 2026, rates are expected to increase by an average of 6.4% before subsidies are applied.

South Dakota uses the federally-run marketplace, and you can enroll through HealthCare.gov. In 2025, 94% of people who enrolled through the marketplace in South Dakota received premium subsidies. These subsidies averaged about $600 a month, which significantly lowered the cost of coverage for most people.

To qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota, adults ages 19-64 must have an income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. As of 2024, this was approximately $20,782 for a single adult. Children may be eligible with higher household income through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The best health insurance plan is one that fits your individual needs and budget. When choosing a plan, consider the following:

• Costs: Look at premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses to find a plan that fits your budget.
• Provider Network: Check to see if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network.
• Coverage Needs: Evaluate what types of medical services you and your family use most often.

South Dakota has several health insurance providers offering plans through the HealthCare.gov marketplace. For 2026, the carriers offering plans in South Dakota are Avera Health Plans, Sanford Health Plan, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. You can compare plan options, provider networks, and customer ratings when shopping during open enrollment to find high-quality coverage that meets your needs.