Coalition for Medicare Choice: South Dakotans Urge Protection of Medicare Advantage as Budget Talks Intensify
South Dakota seniors are raising their voices as Congress considers major budget decisions that could impact Medicare Advantage, a program many in the state say is central to their health, independence, and financial stability.
During a recent roundtable held at the Tavern Grille in Sioux Falls, local retirees and caregivers gathered to share personal stories about how Medicare Advantage supports their lives — from managing chronic conditions and accessing preventive care to ensuring cost predictability. The event offered a timely reminder that for thousands of South Dakotans, this isn’t an abstract policy issue — it’s a day-to-day reality.
Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive health coverage, including hospital and physician services covered by traditional Medicare, while also providing additional benefits such as vision, hearing, dental care, and prescription drugs. For rural states like South Dakota, services such as telehealth, transportation assistance, and in-home support can make the difference between delayed care and timely treatment.
Participants underscored how Medicare Advantage’s cap on out-of-pocket costs helps protect those living on fixed incomes.
South Dakota’s leadership in Washington places the state at the center of this national discussion. Staff members from both Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Mike Rounds’ offices attended the roundtable, signaling continued engagement and reaffirming that both senators remain committed to protecting the program.
Nationwide, more than 35 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage — a number that continues to grow as more seniors choose coverage that prioritizes preventive care, care coordination, and financial protection.
As budget negotiations continue in Washington, South Dakotans are making their priorities clear: safeguard the care that’s working, and don’t jeopardize a model that delivers better outcomes and long-term value for patients and taxpayers alike.
WAY too many Medicare Advantage complaints, lawsuits, fraud and denied coverages. Article after article after article. Is the person submitting these pro-Medicare Advantage an insurance company exec?
There are 158,103 people over 65 here, and 142,400 are on Medicare. And only 16% of people in the state on Medicare have Medicare Advantage plans, so it works out to about 23,000 people. Of the people on Medicare, 12,000 of them are dually eligible for Medicaid.
So there are 158,103 seniors, 23,000 have Medicare Advantage, 12,000 have Medicaid, and the remaining 123,103 have figured out something else.
If Medicaid and Medicare Advantage are being threatened with cuts, maybe the 35,000 who are worried about this should be asking what the other 123,103 are doing.