7,500 South Dakotans enroll in Medicaid Expansion in first 60 Days, but more still qualify
Health insurance is more accessible and affordable in South Dakota than ever, thanks in large part to the Medicaid Expansion program. The Department of Social Services reports that nearly 7,500 South Dakotans have been signed up for this important health coverage since July 1.
While a good start, this represents just 14 percent of the 52,000 South Dakotans who qualify for the program. Many individuals not previously eligible can now get coverage for things like prescriptions, doctor visits, mental health care, and more. This includes adults aged 19 – 64 (with or without children) with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
“With expanded qualifications, individuals with incomes up to about $20,000 per year and families of 4 with an income up to about $40,000 per year will now be able to access great, affordable health insurance through the Medicaid program,” says Penny Kelley, Outreach and Enrollment Services Program Manager at Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD). This means that even if someone was denied coverage in the past, they may now qualify.
CHAD has deployed health insurance navigators throughout the state to support residents in finding affordable coverage. Their services are free, and they are here to help. Navigators can meet by phone, Zoom, or in person depending on where a person lives or their preferences. Individuals can visit www.getcoveredsouthdakota.org to find a local navigator.
“We are here to help people that come from all kinds of backgrounds—many are working households. Medicaid is a stabilizing factor in their lives, so that they may get the care they need, whether it is medical, mental health, or dental services,” says Nonna Tumbashev, Outreach and Enrollment Navigator with CHAD. “I recently helped enroll a man suffering from mental health issues that are manageable if he’s able to see a provider and fill prescriptions,” says Tumbashev. “He is a single man in his 30s who previously wouldn’t be able to enroll in Medicaid, but now he’s being seen by a mental health provider that accepts Medicaid and he’s also able to get his prescriptions filled—life-changing support that he was unable to get previously.”
Although individuals can apply for Medicaid anytime, the upcoming open enrollment season (November 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024) means applicants who don’t qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for premium tax credits through the Health Insurance Marketplace to lower the cost of insurance. Four out of five people qualify for a Marketplace plan for $10 or less per month. Navigators can help people select an affordable, quality plan through Marketplace during open enrollment.
There are more options than ever for affordable health coverage in South Dakota. To learn more, visit www.getcoveredsouthdakota.org or call 2-1-1.
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October 21, 2023