Best Medicare Supplement Plans in South Dakota 2026
South Dakota has over 90,000+ Medigap enrollees. Plan G starts at $145 in Sioux Falls and averages $271 statewide. We compared 20+ carriers to find the best coverage in the Mount Rushmore State.
South Dakota Has No Birthday Rule: Your Initial Plan Choice Matters
Unlike California, Oregon, and other states with birthday rules, South Dakota does not give you an annual window to switch Medigap carriers without underwriting. Once your 6-month Open Enrollment Period ends, you will face health questions if you try to change plans. Compare carriers carefully before you enroll and consider long-term rate stability, not just today's lowest premium.
Best Medicare Supplement Companies in South Dakota
Ranked by the MedicareFAQ Score, which weighs affordability (50%), financial strength (20%), customer satisfaction (15%), plan availability (10%), and pricing method (5%). Rates shown for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Sioux Falls, SD.
LifeShield National
Plan G
$145/mo
Plan N
$113/mo
AM Best
A- (Excellent)
LifeShield National offers the lowest Plan G in South Dakota at $145/mo, saving enrollees $126/mo compared to the state average of $271/mo. Plan N is $113/mo, also among the lowest in the state. LifeShield is a solid budget-first choice for enrollees who want straightforward Plan G or Plan N coverage without the premium of larger national carriers.
MedMutual Protect
Plan G
$147/mo
Plan N
$102/mo
AM Best
A (Excellent)
MedMutual Protect offers the lowest Plan F in South Dakota at $165/mo and the lowest Plan N at $102/mo. Plan G is $147/mo, just $2 above LifeShield National. MedMutual Protect is the best choice for enrollees who want Plan F (if eligible) or the absolute lowest Plan N premium in the state.
Farm Bureau Insurance
Plan G
$154/mo
Plan N
$112/mo
AM Best
A (Excellent)
Farm Bureau Insurance offers the lowest Plan A in South Dakota at $88/mo and a competitive Plan G at $154/mo. Farm Bureau has deep roots in South Dakota with strong local agent support across Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and rural communities. It is the best choice for enrollees who want a trusted local carrier with competitive rates.
Transamerica
Plan G
$173/mo
Plan N
N/A/mo
AM Best
A (Excellent)
Transamerica is the only carrier in South Dakota offering all 10 standardized Medigap plan types. Plan K starts at $77/mo and Plan L at $115/mo, the lowest cost-sharing options in the state. Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, which locks in your rate at enrollment and avoids the premium increases that come with attained-age pricing.
Avera Health Plans
Plan G
$151/mo
Plan N
N/A/mo
AM Best
A- (Excellent)
Avera Health Plans is a South Dakota-based regional carrier integrated with the Avera Health system, the dominant hospital network in eastern South Dakota. Plan G at $151/mo is competitive with the state leaders. Avera is the best choice for enrollees who want a local carrier with deep ties to the Sioux Falls and Aberdeen provider communities.
South Dakota Medigap Premium Comparison
Monthly premiums for Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Sioux Falls, SD. Rates vary by age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code.
| Carrier | Plan G/mo | Plan N/mo | Plan F/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| LifeShield National | $145 | $113 | $175 |
| MedMutual Protect | $147 | $102 | $165 |
| Avera Health Plans | $151 | N/A | N/A |
| Farm Bureau Insurance | $154 | $112 | N/A |
| USAA | $158 | N/A | N/A |
| Nassau | $159 | $121 | $193 |
| AFLAC | $163 | $115 | $193 |
| Transamerica | $173 | N/A | N/A |
| Globe Life | $201 | $132 | $230 |
| Humana | $226 | N/A | N/A |
Rates as of May 2026 for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Sioux Falls, SD. Actual rates vary by age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code. N/A indicates the carrier does not offer that plan type in South Dakota.
Plan G vs. Plan N in South Dakota
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees in South Dakota. LifeShield National offers the lowest Plan G and MedMutual Protect the lowest Plan N.
| Coverage | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered* |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible ($257) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Avg. monthly premium (Sioux Falls) | $145-$163 | $102-$121 |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but may charge up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission. South Dakota allows excess charges, so Plan N enrollees should confirm their doctors accept Medicare assignment.
South Dakota has no birthday rule, so your initial enrollment decision is the most important one you will make. LifeShield National at $145/mo is the lowest Plan G in the state and a solid budget choice. If you want the lowest Plan N, MedMutual Protect at $102/mo is the clear winner. For the best combination of local roots and competitive pricing, Avera Health Plans at $151/mo is integrated with the dominant hospital network in eastern South Dakota. If you want all 10 plan types or issue-age pricing that locks in your rate at enrollment, Transamerica is the right long-term pick. Call the SD SHIP at 1-833-663-9673 for free, unbiased counseling before you enroll.
Free Medicare Counseling: South Dakota SHIP
South Dakota's State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Aging and Disability Resource Center offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Trained resource specialists can help you compare Medigap plans, understand enrollment rules, and connect you with local services. There is no sales pressure and no cost to you.
Call SD SHIP: 1-833-663-9673South Dakota Medigap Rules and Regulations
No Birthday Rule in South Dakota
South Dakota does not have a birthday rule. Once your 6-month Open Enrollment Period ends, you will face health underwriting if you try to change Medigap plans or carriers. Compare all options carefully before enrolling.
Open Enrollment Period: 6 Months Starting at 65
Your Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, carriers must accept you regardless of health history and cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions.
Attained-Age Rating Dominates
Most South Dakota carriers use attained-age pricing, which means your premium increases as you get older. Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, which locks in your rate at enrollment. LifeShield National uses attained-age pricing but starts with the lowest Plan G in the state.
Under-65 Coverage Not Required
South Dakota does not require carriers to offer Medigap to Medicare beneficiaries under age 65. If you have Medicare due to disability, you may have limited options until you turn 65.
Excess Charges Allowed
South Dakota does not restrict Medicare excess charges. Doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers excess charges; Plan N does not.
SD SHIP Free Counseling Available
South Dakota's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Aging and Disability Resource Center offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 1-833-663-9673 to speak with a trained resource specialist who can help you compare plans.
MedicareFAQ Scoring Methodology
The MedicareFAQ Score rates Medicare Supplement carriers on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 based on five key factors. Our ratings are independent and not influenced by advertising relationships.
Affordability
Monthly premium for Plan G and Plan N for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Sioux Falls, SD. Lower premiums score higher.
Financial Strength
AM Best financial strength rating. A++ scores highest, followed by A+, A, A-, B++. Carriers rated below A- are excluded.
Customer Satisfaction
NAIC complaint ratio relative to market share. Lower complaint ratios score higher.
Plan Availability
Number of standardized plan types offered. Carriers offering Plans G, N, and HDG Plan G score higher.
Pricing Method
Community-rated pricing scores highest, followed by issue-age pricing, then attained-age pricing.
Last updated: May 2026 | Data sources: NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, CMS Medicare Plan Finder, South Dakota Division of Insurance, FairSquare Medicare
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Best Medigap Rate in Your South Dakota ZIP Code
South Dakota has no birthday rule, so your Open Enrollment Period is your best chance to lock in coverage without health questions. Plan G starts at $145/mo through LifeShield National in Sioux Falls. Compare all available carriers in your area before enrolling.